Cybersecurity

FBI Chief Rejects Republican Attacks on His Clinton Decision

  • Comey reiterates ‘no reasonable prosecutor’ would seek charges
  • Committee chairman says ‘average Joe’ would be in handcuffs

James Comey is sworn-in before a hearing on July 7. Photographer: Yuri Gripas/AFP via Getty Images

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FBI Director James Comey defended his recommendation against pursuing criminal charges for Hillary Clinton over her use of private e-mail while secretary of state, testifying before Congress as he faced an onslaught of criticism from Republicans.

“The appropriate resolution of this case was not to bring a criminal prosecution,” Comey told the House Oversight Committee Thursday at a hastily called hearing in Washington. “I know the Department of Justice, and I know no reasonable prosecutor would bring this case."