Phone data seizure investigated

An internal investigation will be conducted by the U.S. Department of Justice into the seizure of smart phone data and records of two Democratic Congressmen and their families by the department.

According to The New York Times, the seizure was made during the administration of former President Donald Trump.  Michael E. Horowitz, inspector general of the Justice Department, announced Friday he would lead the inquiry into that allegation, but also into reports that data about reporters was seized as well.

The lawmakers targeted were Reps. Adam Schiff and Eric Stallwell. According to the Associated Press, the purpose of the seizures was an attempt to identify the sources of leaks from the White House about the alleged connection between the president’s political campaign and Russia.

Trump has previously called similar investigations “a witch hunt.”

Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House, said, “These actions appear to be yet another egregious assault on our democracy.”

Democrats in the Senate will also be opening their own investigation and plan to seek public testimony from former Attorney General William Barr and others.