DEVELOPING STORY
In what is becoming an ever-expanding story, CNN reported Tuesday morning that classified documents have been found in the home of former Vice President Mike Pence.
The report cited “multiple sources familiar with the matter” and noted that the FBI and Justice Department’s National Security Division are investigating the matter.
The timing and optics for Pence are poor as he is reportedly considering announcing a bid to run for president in 2024. Also muddying the waters is that Pence has repeatedly said he was not in possession of classified documents when serving as vice president.
Pence reportedly asked his attorney to search his home “out of an abundance of caution” following the recent disclosures of classified documents in the homes of President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.
According to CNN, Pence’s spokesperson, Greg Jacob, said the “small number of documents bearing classified markings” had been sent to Pence’s home by mistake.
“Vice President Pence was unaware of the existence of sensitive or classified documents at his personal residence,” Jacob wrote. “Vice President Pence understands the high importance of protecting sensitive and classified information and stands ready and willing to cooperate fully with the National Archives and any appropriate inquiry.”
CNN sources noted that Pence staffers did a “rigorous” job of checking for classified material when the vice president prepared to leave the White House in early 2021. Sources note that the classified materials in question were likely packed separately from Pence’s personal papers.
A report in the New York Post noted that a spokesman for the former vice president did not immediately respond to requests for additional comment.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates
Scroll down to leave a comment and share your thoughts.
