Report: Senate Committee Rejects Flynn’s Immunity Request
Staffers from the Senate Intelligence Committee investigating Russia's activities in the presidential election have reportedly rejected a request for immunity from President Donald Trump's former national security adviser in exchange for his testimony.
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The committee informed Michael Flynn's lawyer, Robert Kelner, that an offer of immunity was "not on the table," a source in Congress told NBC News. Another source said the committee told Kelner that it would not consider Flynn's offer at this time.
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Trump Stands by Flynn Amid Russia Investigations
The Senate committee, its House counterpart and the FBI are investigating Russia's attempts to influence the presidential election, as well as ties between Trump's campaign team and Russian interests. The Wall Street Journal first reported Thursday night that Flynn had made the offers to each of those organizations to testify under the condition of legal immunity.
Flynn stepped down from his White House position in February, 25 days into the administration, after the president learned the retired general had mischaracterized to Vice President Mike Pence conversations he had with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak between Election Day and the inauguration.
In a statement issued late Thursday, Kelner declined to discuss the circumstances of Flynn's interactions with the FBI and congressional committees but appeared to defend his desire to seek immunity, saying "the media are awash with unfounded allegations, outrageous claims of treason, and vicious innuendo directed against" Flynn.
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"He is now the target of unsubstantiated public demands by members of Congress and other political critics that he be criminally investigated," 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."
Trump also used the term "witch hunt" to defend on Twitter Flynn's reported request for immunity.
