Formation of a Grand Jury to Investigate Russian Interference in the U.S. Elections

Informed sources say that Robert Mueller, the special counsel investigating Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. elections, has formed a grand jury that has begun issuing subpoenas for individuals. According to Reuters, this grand jury has issued subpoenas for Donald Trump's son and son-in-law, as well as a Russian lawyer. Earlier, some media outlets reported that Donald Trump's son and several others met with a Kremlin-connected lawyer during the presidential campaign, who claimed to have damaging information about Hillary Clinton's campaign. These sources indicate that the grand jury is reviewing existing evidence regarding Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential elections. Reuters states that U.S. intelligence agencies had previously reported on Russian interference in the U.S. presidential elections. However, in May of this year, Robert Mueller, the former FBI director, was appointed as special counsel to investigate Russian interference in the U.S. elections. Meanwhile, Russia denies any interference in the U.S. elections. According to this report, the formation of this grand jury could enhance Robert Mueller's power to subpoena individuals. The grand jury consists of ordinary American citizens who review documents and evidence regarding individuals behind closed doors and then decide whom to issue subpoenas for. Paul Cullen, a former prosecutor, told Reuters that this is a significant development in Robert Mueller's investigation. He added that this indicates that, based on the investigations Robert Mueller has begun in recent months, he has now obtained information that could potentially lead to charges against certain individuals, but the question remains as to who they are.