Jean-Pierre repeatedly said that she was limited what she could say because of an ongoing investigation.
He asked whether the White House would release a visitor log to the Wilmington residence.
Garland said that he appointed Chicago U.S. Attorney John Lausch to conduct an initial review of the matter.
Attorney General Merrick Garland(Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Lausch then recommended to Garland that he appoint a special counsel.
Garland said that it was in the public interest to appoint a special counsel.
I strongly believe that the normal processes of this department can handle all investigations with integrity, Garland said.
But under the regulations, the extraordinary circumstances here require the appointment of a special counsel for this matter.
This appointment underscores for the public the departments commitment to both independence and accountability in particularly sensitive matters.
We have cooperated closely with the Justice Department Counsel.
