Flynn’s immunity request gets no takers in Congress
Top Dem on House intel panel: Offer marks a ‘grave’ step
WASHINGTON While President Donald Trump encouraged former top aide Michael Flynn to offer testimony to investigators in exchange for immunity from possible prosecution, congressional leaders investigating Russia’s interference in the 2016 election signaled Friday that it was too early to consider such an agreement.
“We should first acknowledge what a grave and momentous step it is for a former national security adviser to the president of the United States to ask for immunity from prosecution,” said U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff of California, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee. “When the time comes to consider requests for immunity from any witness, we will of course require a detailed proffer of any intended testimony.”
Schiff’s statement was the first public comment from any of the leaders of the House and Senate intelligence committees on Flynn’s immunity request, initially conveyed late Thursday by attorney Robert Kelner.
The California congressman said Flynn’s offer would be taken up with leaders of the Senate committee and the Justice Department, where the FBI is also in the midst of a wide-ranging counterintelligence investigation into Russia’s election interference and whether members of Trump’s campaign coordinated their efforts with Russian officials.
Earlier this week, Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr, R-N.C., indicated the panel would pursue testimony from Flynn as part of a roster of 20 witnesses the panel was assembling so far for its inquiry.
“You would think less of us if Gen. Flynn wasn’t on that list,” Burr told reporters.
Earlier Friday, Trump cited Flynn in a tweet denouncing the various Russia-related investigations that now shadow his administration.
“Mike Flynn should ask for immunity in that this is a witch hunt (excuse for big election loss), by media & Dems, of historic proportion!” Trump tweeted.
Trump’s latest missive came just hours after Flynn’s attorney issued a tantalizing statement about his client’s interest in providing information to congressional and federal investigators.
“Gen. Flynn certainly has a story to tell, and he very much wants to tell it, should the circumstances permit,” Kelner said. “No reasonable person, who has the benefit of advice from counsel, would submit to questioning in such a highly politicized, witch-hunt environment without assurances against unfair prosecution.”
The attorney confirmed that there have been “discussions” regarding Flynn’s possible appearances before the House and Senate intelligence committees now conducting formal inquiries into Russia’s attempts to disrupt the American political system.
The FBI is also investigating Russian activity during the 2016 election, including the hacking of Democratic Party officials close to presidential nominee and Trump opponent Hillary Clinton. The investigation includes any possible collusion with the Trump campaign, though the president and supporters say they had nothing to do with the Russians.
The Russians also deny wrongdoing.
Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin, told ABC’s “Good Morning America” that it is “slander” to say Russia interfered in “domestic affairs of the United States.” Peskov said the Kremlin isn’t worried about Flynn’s potential testimony because there is “no evidence” implicating Russia.
While lawmakers say they want to hear from Flynn, negotiations are at an early point.