Durbin, Duckworth Demand Boutros Resign Over 6-Defendant Broadview Case
Updated
Updated · Chicago Sun-Times · Jun 2
Durbin, Duckworth Demand Boutros Resign Over 6-Defendant Broadview Case
3 articles · Updated · Chicago Sun-Times · Jun 2
Illinois Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth called on Interim U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros to resign, saying his tenure in Chicago has been marked by chaos, dysfunction and alleged misconduct.
The demand follows the collapse of the Broadview Six prosecution nearly two weeks ago after Judge April Perry disclosed improper grand-jury contacts, excused dissenting jurors and alleged efforts to hide the conduct through redacted transcripts.
Boutros dismissed the charges on May 21 and said he had known of the apparent misconduct only since late April; his office did not immediately comment on the senators' statement.
The case centered on six protesters charged after a September demonstration outside a suburban immigration facility, drawing criticism over selective prosecution because those charged were tied to local Democratic politics.
The senators' intervention matters because home-state senators traditionally wield influence over U.S. attorney selections, and they are now urging an open, nonpartisan search for Chicago's next top federal prosecutor.