Lindsey Graham testifying before Georgia grand jury in pre-election investigation

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ATLANTA – Months later of failed legal challengesSenator Lindsey O. Graham (RS.C.) appeared on Tuesday ahead of special grand jury investigating actions former President Donald Trump and his allies will reverse Trump’s 2020 election defeat in Georgia, Mr. latest famous witness in an investigation that is believed to be nearing completion.

The sheriff said Graham entered the courthouse around 8:00 am.

representative for Graham did not respond to a request. for comment on in grand jury trial, which by law secret. representative for The Fulton County District Attorney’s Office did not immediately respond to the request. for comment.

Graham’s testimony follows extended law challenge to block his appearance, which went all way to the U.S. Supreme Court, which this month declined overturn lower court decisions requiring his appearance.

South Carolina Republican and Trump Confidant first subpoenaed in July by the Fulton County District Attorney’s office, who tried to question Graham about the phone calls he made Brad Raffensperger, Georgia secretary of state, in weeks after the 2020 elections and other issues related to elections.

Trump personally urged Raffensperger to ‘find’ enough votes undo your defeat in state where Biden won with less than 12,000 votes. Trump has insisted that elections there were marred by fraud, although numerous legal investigations found no evidence of what.

Raffensperger later told The Washington Post that he felt pressure from other Republicans, including Graham. who he said he echoed Trump’s claims of voting irregularities. in state. He claimed that Graham, on one call was apparently asking to find him way to set aside legally thrown ballots.

Graham and his lawyers vehemently rejected this characterization when describing the senator’s interaction. with Raffensperger as “investigative phone calls” that were supposed to inform him decision- production on is it worth it vote certify elections for Biden and inform another Senate work.

In court documents, Graham argued that his actions were legitimate legislative activities protected by the “speech or debate” clause of the Constitution, and that he should not to be required to answer questions from grand jury.

In September, U.S. District Judge Lee Martin May ruled that Fulton County prosecutors couldn’t ask Graham about portions of his appeals, which were legislative fact- finding.

But May cleared way for prosecutors ask Graham about his coordination with Trump campaign on post- campaign efforts in Georgia. Referee also Graham said also you could ask about it public statements about the 2020 elections and “any alleged attempts to ‘persuade’ or induce” throw out ballots or otherwise change the electoral practices and procedures of Georgia.”

Three judges panel of US court of Appeals for The 11th Circuit later upheld this lower court decision. The Supreme Court rejected final Graham’s address this month, which paved way for his appearance this week. Graham’s lawyers said he was told he was a witness and not a target. in Fulton County investigation.

Graham’s testimony became grand the jury seems to be reaching its conclusion in this is work. The jury heard evidence from several Trump lawyers, including Rudy Giuliani, John Eastman and Boris Epstein. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (right) who also unsuccessfully tried to cancel the subpoena in case before panel last a week.

District Attorney Fani T. Willis also requested testimony from other senior Trump advisers, including Trump himself. former main of staff Mark Meadows; former national security adviser Michael Flynn and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich. All three continue to make legal efforts to have their subpoenas annulled – ongoing appeals that could delay proceedings.

23 people grand The jury is authorized to meet until May 2023. But Willis has spoken about it before. year that she hoped panel would wrap up this is work by the end of this is year. panel does not have power to issue indictments, but will make recommendations in report for Willis, who then weigh potential charges.

During the court session in Florida last The week Flynn contested his subpoena, Fulton County Assistant District Attorney Will Wooten told the judge there were “very few” witnesses left.

“Perhaps this grand jurors will no longer hear evidence,” Wooten said, according to CNN.

Bailey reported from New Orleans and Brown from Atlanta. Ann E. Marimou and Tom Hamburger contributed to this report.

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