Immunity request gets no takers— yet

While President 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 it was too early to consider such a deal.

“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 California Rep. Adam Schiff, 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 marked the first public remarks by any of the leaders of the House and Senate Intelligence committees regarding 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 also is in the midst of a wide- ranging counter- intelligence investigation into Russia’s election interference and whether members of Trump’s campaign coordinated with Russian officials.

This week, Senate Intelligence Chairman Richard Burr, R- N. C., indicated the panel would pursue testimony from Flynn as part of a roster of 20 witnesses the panel had assembled so far for its inquiry. “You would think less of us if Gen. Flynn wasn’t on that list,” Burr said.

Friday, Trump cited Flynn in a tweet denouncing the various Russia- related investigations that 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.