Attorney general appoints a special counsel in Hunter Biden probe, deepening investigation

WASHINGTON (AP) — Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed a special counsel Friday in the Hunter Biden probe, a surprise move that intensifies the investigation into the president’s son ahead of the 2024 election. Speaking at the Justice Department, Garland said he expects the special counsel to work expeditiously in an “even-handed and urgent” manner. Hunter Biden’s attorney Chris Clark said little has changed about their understanding of the situation and the prosecutor’s role. Trump’s team on Friday questioned the independence of the special counsel Weiss, who he himself had appointed. House Republicans had derided that agreement as a “sweetheart” deal as they pushed their own probe into Hunter Biden’s business dealings.