New York State Attorney General Letitia James faced a disruptive moment during a community hearing in Westchester on Thursday night. The event took place shortly after the Trump administration announced a federal criminal investigation into James over allegations of mortgage fraud linked to her properties in Brooklyn and Virginia.
As James was addressing the audience, a supporter of former President Donald Trump interrupted her speech. The individual shouted, “Apologize to Donald Trump for wasting millions of dollars in the state of New York.” This outburst drew boos from the crowd, and the heckler was quickly escorted out of the meeting.
In response to the interruption, James maintained her composure, asserting, “Everyone knows those allegations are baseless.” She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to hear differing opinions, even amidst the disruption.
The investigation into James stems from a complaint filed with the Federal Housing Finance Agency last month. The Department of Justice is looking into claims that James falsified records to secure favorable loan terms. Allegations include misrepresenting the number of units in her Brooklyn home and incorrectly stating that a property in Norfolk, Virginia, was her primary residence. These actions could lead to serious charges, including wire fraud and making false statements to a financial institution.
James is currently under significant scrutiny, not just from the federal investigation but also regarding the potential financial implications for New York taxpayers. There is concern that taxpayers may be responsible for covering her legal fees related to this probe.
The Westchester meeting also featured other attorneys general, including Rob Bonta from California and Kwame Raoul from Illinois, highlighting the collaborative nature of their roles despite the controversies surrounding James.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this investigation will impact James’ career and the broader political landscape in New York.