Judge Dismisses Giuliani’s Political Bias Claims as ‘Pure Speculation’

PHOENIX — Judge Bruce Cohen has dismissed Rudy Giuliani’s claims of political bias among grand jurors in the “fake elector” case, labeling them “pure speculation and abject conjecture.” The judge ordered the Attorney General’s Office to investigate whether any information on the political affiliations of the jurors is available before deciding if Giuliani’s inquiry has merit.

The indictment comprises Giuliani and 17 co-defendants, accused of conspiring to falsely present alternative electors for the 2020 presidential election, despite Joe Biden’s clear victory. While the defendants have all pleaded not guilty, former Trump attorney Jenna Ellis has agreed to cooperate with the prosecution.

Among the defense strategies employed, Giuliani’s concerns center on the selection process of the grand jurors. He seeks details on whether the group reflects “a fair cross section of the community” and requests to review the voter registration cards of the 16 jurors to assess possible biases.

Giuliani’s attorney, Mark Williams, argues that this information is essential to determine if any jurors had a vested interest in the case. Cohen’s recent ruling noted the lack of evidence supporting Giuliani’s bias claims, emphasizing that the grand jury had been seated before these charges arose.

Cohen clarified that the grand jury did not convene specifically for this case and expressed a desire to expedite proceedings rather than delay them further. He directed the Attorney General’s Office to secure an affidavit regarding how the jurors were summoned and any knowledge of their political affiliations, with a deadline set for October 16.

It’s noteworthy that, according to a spokesperson for the Attorney General’s Office, political affiliation is not tracked during the grand juror selection process. This investigation ties back to the actions taken by 11 Trump supporters shortly after the 2020 election, who gathered to falsely assert their status as official electors.

The indictment highlights not only these individuals but also others associated with Trump, alleging involvement in fraud, forgery, and conspiracy. While Trump himself has not been charged, he is noted as an “unindicted co-conspirator” in the matter.