Congress cool to immunity pitch from ex-aide

WASHINGTON — Congressional investigators on Friday rebuffed former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn’s offer of cooperation in exchange for immunity from prosecution, saying it’s too early in their probe of Russia connections to discuss a deal.

Flynn’s attorney said talks have taken place about immunity in exchange for testimony with the congressional committees conducting investigations into Russia’s meddling with the 2016 presidential election.

“We should first acknowledge what a grave and momentous step it is for a former national security adviser to the president of the United States to ask for immunity from prosecution,” Schiff said in a statement Friday.

Flynn’s attorney, Robert Kelner, said no “reasonable person” with legal counsel would answer questions without assurances that he would not be prosecuted, given calls from some members of Congress that the retired lieutenant general face criminal charges.



Since July, the FBI has been conducting a counterintelligence investigation into Russia’s interference in the election and possible coordination with Trump associates.