A special grand jury that reviewed efforts by then-President Donald Trump and his allies to overturn their election defeat in Georgia says it believes some witnesses committed perjury and recommends “appropriate indictments.”
The panel recommended that the district attorney “seek appropriate indictments for such crimes where the evidence is compelling.” But the report does not identify by name the people who are alleged to have lied.
In addition to the section on perjury, the report’s introduction and conclusion were released Thursday. But any recommendations about possible criminal charges against specific people will remain under wraps for now.
The partial release was ordered Monday by Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney, who oversaw the special grand jury. During a hearing last month, prosecutors urged him not to publish the report until the charges were decided, while a coalition of media organizations, including Associated Presspushed for the full report to be released publicly immediately.
McBurney wrote in his order that it is not appropriate to release the full report now because it is important to protect the due process rights of individuals for whom charges have been recommended by the grand jury.
The investigation is one of several that could have serious legal consequences for Trump. while trying to persuade voters to be returned to the White House in 2024.
The special grand jury, which was requested by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to assist her in her investigation, was unable to issue indictments. Instead, her report contains recommendations for Willis, who will ultimately decide whether to pursue one or more indictments from a regular grand jury.
Over the course of about seven months, the grand jury heard from 75 witnesses, including Trump allies, including former New York mayor and Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani and US Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina. Top Georgia officials, including Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and Governor Brian Kemp, also appeared before the panel.
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