Standing by in 30 minutes to hear announcement from Attorney General Merrick Garland

Per Rob Legare Garland has named a special counsel to oversee the entirety of the Justice Department's criminal investigation into the unlawful retention national defense information at Mar-a-Lago and key aspects of the Jan 6 investigation.

We are standing by for a special report on the CBS Television Network

AG Garland says the probe includes the blocking of the peaceful transfer of power after the 2020 election and the attempt to block the certification of the electoral vote on Jan 6

Garland says special counsel will handle “the investigation into whether any person or entity interfered with the peaceful transfer of power” after the 2020 election AND will handle the Mar-a-Lago records probe and possible “obstruction” of that investigation

Garland specifies the US Attorney for DC will continue to oversee prosecution of US Capitol attack defendants

Among his reasons for special counsel, Garland cites “the former President’s announcement that he is a candidate for President in the next election, and the sitting President’s stated intention to be a candidate as well”

Garland’s decision makes it harder for the new House GOP majority to call him to a public hearing and ask questions about Mar-a-Lago or Jan 6 probes. Garland can defer to special counsel.

Special Counsel Jack Smith statement: “The pace of the investigations will not pause or flag under my watch. I will exercise independent judgement and will move the investigations forward expeditiously and thoroughly to whatever outcome the facts and the law dictate.”

Rep Eric Swalwell (D-CA): “It’s a historic appointment for what looks to be a historic crime spree by a former president. Most important thing is that we get this right. Our democracy has endured severe trauma over the past six years. And we must move urgently to resurrect her.”