Former FBI agents charged with lying to Congress over Hunter Biden probe

The Justice Department filed an affidavit on Oct. 20 charging former FBI officials Nikki Floris and Bradley Benavides with making materially false statements to the House Judiciary Committee during its 2023 investigation of Hunter Biden’s laptop. The indictment now includes an obstruction of a congressional proceeding charge, alleging the false testimony was meant to conceal the FBI Foreign Influence Task Force’s involvement and hinder the committee’s work.

Floris and Benavides have each denied the accusations. Their lawyers contend that the late-night filing is both procedurally flawed and a serious abuse of the criminal charging system, designed to shield the government’s case from scrutiny at the upcoming preliminary hearing. The attorneys also described the filing as an unsigned, unsworn complaint that adds a meritless charge. The case is set for a hearing on Tuesday.