FBI's Comey Spoke Against Naming Russia as Hack Suspect Citing Election Timing

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Comey made the argument during private discussions, and made sure the agency’s name was not on the statement that accused Moscow of the cyberattacks, CNBC reported citing a former FBI official.

Earlier in October, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Department of Homeland Security announced Washington was “confident” the Russian government had directed the recent compromises of US political organizations. Russian officials have denied any intent to interfere in the November 8 election.

The former FBI official pointed out that the government insiders were puzzled by Comey’s hesitance and his decision to speak out about additional findings in Hillary Clinton’s private server controversy 11 days before the election.

On Friday, Comey sent a letter to the US Congress informing them that the bureau had found additional correspondence pertinent to its probe into the home-based, non-government server Clinton used as the US top diplomat from 2009 to 2013.

The timing of Comey’s new disclosure has outraged Clinton’s campaign and supporters, particularly because voters in 36 states and Washington, DC have already begun early voting.