Blumenthal Statement on Russian Indictments

[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) released the following statement after Special Counsel Robert Mueller announced the indictments of thirteen Russian nationals and three Russian companies for interfering in the 2016 election.

“This blockbuster indictment depicts a massive, chilling Russian attack on our nation’s democracy, using sophisticated social media and complex fraud to derail our elections, sow discord, and seek to distort the outcome. This detailed document outlines a terrifying blueprint of ongoing and future Russian assaults on our democratic institutions. These criminal charges indisputably demonstrate the need for strong sanctions to make these Russians and their government pay a price, so they are deterred and stopped. So far, President Trump has refused to apply any such deterrents – and declined even to acknowledge the Russian criminal conspiracy that is so powerfully portrayed here.

“The Russians attacking our democracy were real criminals who had a real impact that will be repeated now and in future elections – as the intelligence community warned publicly only days ago. Americans should be deeply appalled and alarmed, even if the President denies reality.

“There can be no doubt now that the Special Counsel and the FBI are making solid progress in their pursuit of irrefutable criminal wrongdoing by the Russians and others. Clearly, the Special Counsel is proceeding with vigor and independence. He must continue to follow the facts and the law wherever they lead, including possible collusion by Americans and obstruction of justice. The recent irresponsible politically motivated attacks by the President’s Congressional surrogates have been soundly rebutted. As the investigation intensifies, so does the need to protect the Special Counsel.”