A federal magistrate judge dismissed charges against two former F.B.I. officials on Monday. Judge Zia M. Faruqui ruled the prosecution was politically motivated. The case had been brought just weeks before the midterm elections.
Faruqui described the case as a rushed effort ordered by the White House. He said the timing was intended to influence the upcoming vote. The ruling represents a sharp rebuke of the administration.
The charges against the former officials were not specified in the ruling. Prosecutors had pursued the case on an expedited timeline. Court records show the indictment moved forward unusually fast.
The White House denied any role in directing the prosecution. Administration officials called the judge’s characterization inaccurate. They said the Justice Department acted independently.
Legal analysts said the dismissal could set a precedent for similar cases. Judges may now scrutinize election-season prosecutions more closely. The decision also raises questions about political pressure on federal law enforcement.
The former officials had denied any wrongdoing throughout the proceedings. Their attorneys argued the charges were retaliation for prior investigations. The defense asked for dismissal on grounds of prosecutorial misconduct.
Faruqui’s ruling did not address the underlying allegations against the defendants. He focused instead on the prosecution’s timing and apparent political intent. The case cannot be refiled without new evidence, legal experts said.
The midterm elections are less than a week away. The dismissal is likely to become a campaign issue in several races. Both parties are expected to cite the ruling in their final messaging to voters.
