Comey: 'Of course' FBI would leverage precedent in San Bernardino case
Under questioning from members of the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, FBI Director James Comey admitted that his agency would "of course" seek to use the precedent gained from a win in the San Bernardino to unlock other phones.
Image Credit: Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA
"If the All Writs Act is available to us, and relief under the All Writs Act fits the powers of the statute, of course" the bureau would seek to apply the same tactic in other cases, Comey said in response to a question from Rep. John Conyers. Comey repeatedly acknowledged the potential of the San Bernardino matter to set a legal precedent.
Much of the committee's time was spent questioning Comey on the precedential nature of the bureau's request, but members were also keen to determine whether the FBI had done everything in its own power before turning to the courts.
Reps. Darrell Issa and Zoe Lofgren -- members of the California congressional delegation -- were especially tough on Comey. Issa, who made a fortune in automotive security, pressed the FBI chief on detailed technical matters that Comey was continually unable to answer.
"How can you come before this committee..if you can't answer the questions?" Issa asked pointedly.
Apple general counsel Bruce Sewell is slated to testify before the committee later today.
Image Credit: Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA
"If the All Writs Act is available to us, and relief under the All Writs Act fits the powers of the statute, of course" the bureau would seek to apply the same tactic in other cases, Comey said in response to a question from Rep. John Conyers. Comey repeatedly acknowledged the potential of the San Bernardino matter to set a legal precedent.
Much of the committee's time was spent questioning Comey on the precedential nature of the bureau's request, but members were also keen to determine whether the FBI had done everything in its own power before turning to the courts.
Reps. Darrell Issa and Zoe Lofgren -- members of the California congressional delegation -- were especially tough on Comey. Issa, who made a fortune in automotive security, pressed the FBI chief on detailed technical matters that Comey was continually unable to answer.
"How can you come before this committee..if you can't answer the questions?" Issa asked pointedly.
Apple general counsel Bruce Sewell is slated to testify before the committee later today.
Comments
One thing is for sure, Apple should never give the FBI a copy of the hacked software. The FBI would get their pocket picked in 5 minutes. Then millions of users would be at risk.
Such bull, guy should resign.
Q: "How can you tell if James Comey is lying?"
A: "His lips are moving."
It's times like this when I wish there was a live chat feature on this site.
Darrell Issa does a good job making him look stupid, that's for sure.