The Justice Department has launched an investigation into whether senior FBI officials mishandled classified materials related to the bureau’s Russia probe, known as Crossfire Hurricane. Sources confirmed to CBS News that documents tied to the investigation were discovered inside “burn bags” at FBI headquarters — containers typically used to destroy sensitive information. The materials date back to the FBI’s 2016 investigation into potential ties between Donald Trump’s presidential campaign and Russia.
FBI Director Kash Patel revealed last month that thousands of documents related to the Russia probe were found in the burn bags, claiming the materials had been intentionally hidden. Patel later wrote on X, “We just uncovered burn bags/room filled with hidden Russia Gate files.” Crossfire Hurricane, launched during the 2016 campaign and extended into Trump’s presidency, became a focal point of political controversy. Although Special Counsel Robert Mueller concluded that Russia interfered in the election to benefit Trump, he did not accuse Trump or his team of criminal coordination with Moscow.
Recent developments have reignited debate over the legitimacy of the original Russia investigation. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard declassified documents last month that she said undermine the conclusions of a 2017 intelligence report on Russian election interference. Gabbard accused Obama-era officials of orchestrating a “treasonous conspiracy” and a “years-long coup” against Trump, vowing to refer the matter to the Justice Department for potential charges. Former President Obama’s spokesperson dismissed these claims as “bizarre” and “ridiculous.”
