National

FBI Raids Office of Virginia Democrat Who Led Redistricting Effort

By Gabe Whisnant Newsweek
Virginia Legislature. Senator L. Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, waits to vote as the Senate Courts of Justice met in the Old Senate Chamber inside the State Capitol in Richmond, Va., Friday, March 4, 2016, to vote for Judge Rossie D. Alston to be named to the Supreme Court of Virginia and Judge Kenneth Melvin to replace Alston on the Court of Appeals. (Bob Brown/Richmond Times-Dispatch via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT
Virginia Legislature. Senator L. Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, waits to vote as the Senate Courts of Justice met in the Old Senate Chamber inside the State Capitol in Richmond, Va., Friday, March 4, 2016, to vote for Judge Rossie D. Alston to be named to the Supreme Court of Virginia and Judge Kenneth Melvin to replace Alston on the Court of Appeals. (Bob Brown/Richmond Times-Dispatch via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT Bob Brown AP

The FBI searched the district office of Virginia Senate leader L. Louise Lucas on Wednesday as part of a corruption investigation.

The search in Portsmouth was conducted under a court-authorized warrant, the FBI said, declining to provide further details. The person who confirmed the search spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the ongoing probe.

Newsweek has reached out to Lucas’ office via email on Wednesday afternoon for comment.

The search of Lucas' office comes amid broader scrutiny of how President Donald Trump has used his administration's powers in cases involving political adversaries. Critics have pointed to actions such as the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey - a longtime Trump critic - as part of what some describe as an expanded effort to pursue opponents through the justice system.

Trump has repeatedly denied directing prosecutions, but has publicly called for investigations into figures he has clashed with and praised legal action against them, raising ongoing debate over the boundaries between politics and federal law enforcement.

Senator L. Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, waits to vote as the Senate Courts of Justice met in the Old Senate Chamber inside the State Capitol in Richmond, Va., Friday, March 4, 2016. (Bob Brown/Richmond Times-Dispatch via AP)
Senator L. Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, waits to vote as the Senate Courts of Justice met in the Old Senate Chamber inside the State Capitol in Richmond, Va., Friday, March 4, 2016. (Bob Brown/Richmond Times-Dispatch via AP) Bob Brown AP

The 82-year-old Democratic lawmaker has played a prominent role in Virginia's recent redistricting effort, which was approved by voters in an April 21 constitutional amendment authorizing new U.S. House maps. Supporters say the plan could help Democrats gain additional seats in Congress.

The state Supreme Court allowed the referendum to proceed but has not ruled on its legality. The justices are weighing an appeal after a lower court judge found the amendment invalid due to procedural issues by lawmakers.

This is a breaking news article. Updates to follow.

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