GOP senator questions timing of FBI’s Clinton emails review

Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) on Friday questioned why the FBI is renewing its investigation into Hillary Clinton’s private email server so close to Election Day, speculating that the agency could have evidence of serious wrongdoing.

“Why would FBI reopen Hillary investigation unless there is evidence of more than ‘extreme carelessness’ in handling classified information?” Cornyn wrote in a series of tweets.

Why is FBI doing this just 11 days before the election?

— JohnCornyn (@JohnCornyn) October 28, 2016

Why would FBI reopen Hillary investigation unless there is evidence of more than “extreme carelessness” in handling classified information?

— JohnCornyn (@JohnCornyn) October 28, 2016

Will FBI ask DOJ to seek convening of a grand jury?

— JohnCornyn (@JohnCornyn) October 28, 2016

What does AG Loretta Lynch do if FBI asks to present new evidence to a grand jury?

— JohnCornyn (@JohnCornyn) October 28, 2016

{mosads}The FBI on Friday said it is reviewing newly found emails that could be related to its investigation of Clinton’s server less than two weeks before the presidential election.

In a letter sent to lawmakers, FBI Director James Comey said the agency has learned of more emails “that appear to be pertinent to the investigation.”

The emails were found “in connection with an unrelated case,” he wrote, without elaborating further.

After getting briefed by his investigative team, Comey “agreed that the FBI should take appropriate investigative steps designed to allow investigators to review these emails to determine whether they contain classified information, as well as to assess their importance to our investigation.”

Comey added he could not predict how long it would take the bureau to assess whether the emails are “significant.”

Comey concluded in July that Clinton was “extremely careless” with classified information, but he did not recommend pressing charges against her.

Clinton has since apologized for using a private email setup as secretary of State, calling it a mistake.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has frequently argued Clinton’s use of the server disqualifies the Democrat from seeking the presidency.

Updated at 2:52 p.m.