Story perspectives

U.S. Attorney's Controversial Indictment Chat Sparks Outcry

10/21/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Lindsey Halligan, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, messaged journalist Anna Bower on October 11 about Letitia James's indictment.
Halligan later claimed the conversation was off the record, and Bower confirmed Halligan's identity after initial skepticism.
Bower described a back-and-forth where Halligan accused her of bias but did not specify inaccuracies.
The outreach appeared unusual given the prosecution and Halligan's prior role as President Donald Trump's attorney.

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Story summary

Lindsey Halligan, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, messaged journalist Anna Bower on October 11 about Letitia James's indictment.
Halligan later claimed the conversation was off the record, and Bower confirmed Halligan's identity after initial skepticism.
Bower described a back-and-forth where Halligan accused her of bias but did not specify inaccuracies.
The outreach appeared unusual given the prosecution and Halligan's prior role as President Donald Trump's attorney.