By Eric Beech and Sarah N. Lynch
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Republican Congressman Scott Perry of Pennsylvania mentioned on Tuesday that FBI brokers had reserved his cellphone, in yet one more signal that the Justice Division’s investigation into the 2021 assault on the US Capitol is heating up.
In an announcement, Perry mentioned three brokers dedicated to his cellphone whereas he was touring together with his household. He didn’t say why his cellphone was confiscated however mentioned he was “outraged.”
A supporter of former President Donald Trump, Perry has been the topic of a congressional investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the US Capitol by Trump supporters.
A Justice Division spokesperson declined to remark.
“They made no try to contact my lawyer, who would have made preparations for them to have my cellphone if that was their want,” Perry mentioned within the assertion, first reported by Fox Information.
“My cellphone comprises data about my legislative and political actions, and private/non-public discussions with my spouse, household, constituents, and buddies. None of that is the federal government’s enterprise,” he mentioned.
Perry, who helped unfold Trump’s false statements of 2020 election fraud, was in touch with the Trump White Home within the weeks earlier than the 2021 assault on the US Capitol.
Throughout a congressional listening to in June, lawmakers heard testimony that Perry sought a pardon from Trump. Perry has denied looking for a pardon.
Perry has acknowledged introducing Trump to Jeffrey Bossert Clark, a former Justice Division lawyer and Trump loyalist.
Clark wished then-Appearing Legal professional Normal Jeffrey Rosen to ship a letter to Georgia falsely claiming the division uncovered voter fraud. When that failed, Clark sought to have Trump set up him as appearing legal professional basic.
In June, federal brokers devoted Clark’s digital gadgets from his suburban Virginia dwelling.
(Reporting by Eric Beech and Sarah N. Lynch; Enhancing by Ross Colvin, Daniel Wallis and Cynthia Osterman)