Awkward timing for Russia probe indictments
WASHINGTON (AP) – Awkward timing.
The Justice Department announced new indictments in the Russia probe Friday just as President Donald Trump was meeting Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle.
Most cable news networks broke away from coverage of the royal pageantry to carry Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein’s announcement of indictments against 12 Russian intelligence officers for interfering in the U.S. election.
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, centre stands with US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania on the dias in the Quadrangle as they listen to the US national anthem, during a ceremonial welcome at Windsor Castle, Friday, July 13, 2018 in Windsor, England. The monarch welcomed the American president in the courtyard of the royal castle. (Richard Pohle/Pool Photo via AP)
The indictments come just days before the president is scheduled to hold a summit with Russia’s Vladimir Putin in Helsinki.
Rosenstein said: “The timing is a function of the collection of the facts, the evidence, the law and a determination that it was sufficient to present the indictment at this time.”
He said he briefed the president earlier this week about the indictments, but declined to describe Trump’s reaction.
Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein speaks at a news conference at the Department of Justice, Friday, July 13, 2018, in Washington. From left, Assistant Attorney General John Demers, Rosenstein, and Acting Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General Ed O’Callaghan. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
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