The seizure is reportedly part of an investigation into former President Donald Trump’s efforts to nullify the 2020 election.
Federal agents seized the cell phone of Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pennsylvania), the lawmaker said, criticizing the agency for “banana republic tactics” in the midst of an investigation into the 2020 presidential race.
Perry announced the move in a statement Tuesday, saying “3 FBI agents visited me and seized my cell phone” while traveling with his family.
“They did not attempt to contact my attorney, who would have arranged for them to have my phone number if that was their wish.” Perry said, adding “I am outraged, though not surprised, that the FBI, under the direction of Merrick Garland’s Department of Justice, seized the phone of a sitting member of Congress.”
The FBI executed a search warrant against Perry shortly after conducting a raid on Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, allegedly as part of an investigation into Trump’s handling of presidential documents, including classified material, that it may have been taken to Palm Beach. installations.
While it is unclear if the two investigations are connected and the FBI has not offered a reason for the search warrant, former top Justice Department officials testified that Perry played ‘An important role’ in an attempt to install Trump ally Jeffrey Clark as acting attorney general shortly after the 2020 race, hoping he would back up the then-president’s claims about massive voter fraud.
According to a source quoted by CNN, Perry’s phone was “image” by federal agents and returned it to him later Tuesday, noting that authorities would need a second warrant to access the contents of the device.
However, the legislator condemned the office for “banana republic tactics” — echoing the rhetoric of other Republicans after Monday’s Mar-a-Lago raid — and a “unnecessary and aggressive action”.
“My phone contains information about my legislative and political activities, and personal/private discussions with my wife, family, constituents, and friends.” he said. “None of this is government business.”