GOP’s Stefanik Launches Ethics Complaint Against Judge Howell Over Capitol Riot Remarks

Allegations Against Judge Beryl Howell

Republican Representative Elise Stefanik has formally requested an ethics investigation into D.C. Circuit Court Judge Beryl Howell.

Stefanik alleges that Howell engaged in what she deems ‘highly inappropriate political speech’ during her November remarks at the Women’s White Collar Defense Gala.

Remarks Stir Controversy

During her speech at the gala, Judge Howell made remarks that Stefanik deemed unacceptable. Howell implied a connection between the January 6 Capitol riot and what she referred to as ‘big lies’ circulating during that period, suggesting these falsehoods led to the disruptive events at the Capitol.

Addressing Election Allegations

Stefanik highlighted specific statements made by Judge Howell, including a reference to Heather Cox Richardson’s book, ‘Democracy Awakening.’ Howell allegedly alluded to a potential descent into authoritarianism in the United States, attributing this possibility to the election of former President Trump.

Multiple Ethics Complaints Filed

In addition to the complaint against Judge Howell, Rep. Stefanik has filed a separate ethics complaint against Judge Arthur Engeron. Engeron presides over Donald Trump’s $250 million civil fraud case.

The move is part of Stefanik’s efforts to address what she perceives as judicial overreach or bias in these high-profile cases.

Howell’s Role in Significant Cases

Judge Howell, appointed during the Obama administration, has been involved in several pivotal cases, including presiding over trials related to the January 6 Capitol riot.

Her decisions in these cases, particularly those that go against arguments put forward by Trump’s legal team, have raised concerns among Republicans.

Legal Landscape and Ongoing Cases

Beyond the Capitol riot cases, Howell supervises special counsel Jack Smith’s indictment of Trump and oversees the grand jury in the Mueller probe.

Additionally, she is presiding over Rudy Giuliani’s defamation trial, where two Georgia election workers seek redress for reputational damage following Giuliani’s accusations of election fraud.

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