Michael Ben’Ary, a recently terminated national security prosecutor, has raised serious concerns regarding the safety of American citizens. His allegations follow a series of firings within the Justice Department that suggest political motivations. In a statement posted on the door of his office, Ben’Ary accused department leaders of compromising national security.
Firing of Michael Ben’Ary
Ben’Ary, who worked for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, was dismissed on Wednesday. His termination reportedly stemmed from a social media post by a Trump-aligned commentator implying he was part of an “internal resistance” within the Justice Department against prosecuting former FBI Director James Comey.
Letter to Colleagues
In his letter, Ben’Ary expressed dismay at the state of the Justice Department. He reminded colleagues of their oath to uphold the Constitution. According to Ben’Ary, political decisions have endangered public safety:
- “Recent political leadership has violated principles critical to our national security.”
- The letter condemned the removal of experienced officials from key positions as detrimental to national safety.
Ben’Ary claimed he was fired without just cause and mentioned that his dismissal was linked to a solitary, misleading social media post. The post in question raised questions about his neutrality concerning the planned indictment of Comey.
Controversy over Comey Indictment
Charges against Comey were initiated by the new acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Lindsey Halligan. She has faced criticism from within her department regarding the decision to prosecute. Despite this, Halligan proceeded with the indictment related to Comey’s testimony during a congressional hearing in September 2020.
Response from Julie Kelly
Julie Kelly, the conservative commentator involved in the controversy, responded to Ben’Ary’s letter on social media, stating that his dismissal was justified. She accused him of making partisan attacks against the Trump administration.
Concerns over Ongoing Cases
Prior to his termination, Ben’Ary was actively involved in prosecuting a terrorism case linked to the bombing at Kabul International Airport’s Abbey Gate in August 2021. This attack resulted in the deaths of 13 U.S. service members during the withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Ben’Ary raised alarms that his abrupt removal would hinder the case against the terrorism suspect, Mohammad Sharifullah. He expressed confidence in his co-counsel but believed the transition would negatively impact the prosecution.
Additional Departures from the Justice Department
Ben’Ary’s dismissal is part of a broader trend of departures within the Eastern District of Virginia. Notably, Erik S. Siebert stepped down last month at Trump’s urging, and another prosecutor, Maya Song, was also terminated. Both prosecutors were appointed during the Biden administration.
The Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office have not provided any comments regarding these recent developments. Michael Ben’Ary, after his firing, has been unavailable for further comment.
