Spokesperson: Hillary Clinton Gave Voluntary Interview To FBI On Email Probe
WASHINGTON, D.C. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A spokesperson for Hillary Clinton has said the presumptive Democratic nominee gave a voluntary interview to the Federal Bureau of Investigation on a probe into the use of a private server to send sensitive emails.
"She is pleased to have had the opportunity to assist the Department of Justice in bringing this review to a conclusion. Out of respect for the investigative process, she will not comment further on her interview," Clinton spokesperson Nick Merrill said in a statement released Saturday afternoon.
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According to officials, the interview lasted around three and a half hours and took place at the FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C.
"The truth here is going to be how candid was she in the interview. How many questions did she answer freely and in a forthcoming manner," Former FBI Assistant Director Ron Hosko told CBS2's Weijia Jiang.
The government is probing Hillary Clinton's handling of emails and use of a private email server while she was secretary of state.
But the ongoing investigation represents a major risk for Democrats as Clinton is merely four weeks away from being formally nominated as the party's presidential candidate.
Donald Trump, the Republican Party's presumptive nominee, has seized on the email issue and repeatedly said the probe undermines Clinton's fitness for office. Trump has called his opponent, "Crooked Hillary," and said she cannot be trusted in the White House.
The investigation also poses an unwelcome distraction just as she has vanquished primary rival Bernie Sanders, holds a huge fundraising advantage over Trump and polls show her well-placed to become America's first female president even as many voters question her trustworthiness.
The interview comes after Attorney General Loretta Lynch spoke with Bill Clinton in a widely-criticized meeting at an airport in Phoenix on Monday. Lynch, who is currently involved with the federal email probe, said the unplanned meeting was the former president's idea and their discussion was small talk.
Republicans have called for a special prosecutor to lead the investigation into Hillary Clinton's emails, including during Lynch's confirmation hearing.
"I think she should recuse herself. I think she should take herself out of the investigation because no matter what determination is, no matter how they decide to go forward or not go forward, there's gonna be a cloudover it," Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., said.
Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump said the meeting never should have happened.
"Even in terms of judgment, how bad of judgment is it for him, or for her, to do this? Who would do this?" Trump questioned.
Lynch said the probe is being handled by career investigators and will be fair.
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