ATLANTA (AP) — The prosecutor who has recently taken over the Georgia election interference case against President Donald Trump and others announced in a court filing that he will not be pursuing the case further. Pete Skandalakis, executive director of the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia, took over the case last month from Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who was removed due to ethical concerns stemming from a romantic relationship with the special prosecutor in the case. Following Skandalakis’ filing, Judge Scott McAfee issued an order dismissing the case in its entirety.
While it was widely believed that legal action against Trump might not progress, 14 other defendants, including former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani and former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, still faced charges. Trump’s attorney, Steve Sadow, welcomed the dismissal, asserting that it ends what he describes as political persecution orchestrated by a disqualified DA.
Despite the dismissal, it highlights ongoing tensions and legal battles surrounding the former president, which continue to draw public and media scrutiny. Skandalakis emphasized the need for a thorough review of the evidence and expressed a desire to adequately assess the future legal implications, addressing the public's interest in the case.
The backdrop of this event is notable; after the Georgia Supreme Court declined to review Willis' appeal, it became imperative for the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council to appoint a new prosecutor. Skandalakis noted that many experienced prosecutors declined to take on the case, leading him to appoint himself to avoid immediate dismissal. This decision further complicates the narrative that surrounds Trump's ongoing legal challenges as the political and social implications continue to unfold.
While it was widely believed that legal action against Trump might not progress, 14 other defendants, including former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani and former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, still faced charges. Trump’s attorney, Steve Sadow, welcomed the dismissal, asserting that it ends what he describes as political persecution orchestrated by a disqualified DA.
Despite the dismissal, it highlights ongoing tensions and legal battles surrounding the former president, which continue to draw public and media scrutiny. Skandalakis emphasized the need for a thorough review of the evidence and expressed a desire to adequately assess the future legal implications, addressing the public's interest in the case.
The backdrop of this event is notable; after the Georgia Supreme Court declined to review Willis' appeal, it became imperative for the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council to appoint a new prosecutor. Skandalakis noted that many experienced prosecutors declined to take on the case, leading him to appoint himself to avoid immediate dismissal. This decision further complicates the narrative that surrounds Trump's ongoing legal challenges as the political and social implications continue to unfold.
