- Click to share on Facebook (Opens in a new window)
- Click to share on Twitter (Opens in a new window)
- Click here to share on LinkedIn (Opens in a new window)
- Click to email a friend (Opens in a new window)
(CNN) - The lawyer of the first intelligence whistleblower who filed accusations about President Donald Trump and his interactions with Ukraine said on Sunday that he is representing a second whistleblower about the actions of the president.
Attorney Mark Zaid confirmed to CNN that he and other lawyers on his team now represent the second person, who has first-hand knowledge that supports the allegations made by the first complainant. Zaid told CNN that the second complainant works in the intelligence community and has spoken to the inspector general of the intelligence community, but has not filed his own complaint and does not need to do so, since it is considered that anyone who speaks with The vigilant inspector has made a protected disclosure and is a whistleblower under the law.
Attorney Andrew Bakaj, who also represents the complainants, tweeted this Sunday: “I can confirm that my firm and my team represent several complainants in connection with the underlying disclosure of August 12, 2019 to the Inspector General of the Intelligence Community. There are no more comments at this time. ”
- This forgotten president should terrorize Donald Trump
Bakaj did not provide further details on how many people he and his colleagues represent regarding the case. Bakaj said that at this time there is only one complaint filed with the inspector general and that it includes information from both people.
ABC first reported Zaid's representation of the second person.
The reports of a second complainant occur when House Democrats intensify their political trial investigation centered on Trump's phone call on July 25 with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issuing a summons to the White House and a request for Documents to Vice President Mike Pence.
Donald Trump in the White House. (Credit: Win McNamee / Getty Images)
The initial complaint of the complainant alleged that the president abused his official powers "to request interference" from Ukraine in the next 2020 elections, and that the White House took steps to cover it up. Donald Trump has denied doing anything inappropriate.
A transcript published by the White House of a July 25 call revealed that Trump asked the President of Ukraine to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden, Trump's potential 2020 Democratic rival, and his son, Hunter. There is no evidence of irregularities by Joe or Hunter Biden.
The New York Times reported Friday that a second intelligence official with concerns and more direct knowledge about Trump's dealings with Ukraine was considering filing a whistleblower complaint. Zaid told CNN that he did not know if the second complainant he represents is the same person referred to in the media report cited.
Caroline Kelly of CNN contributed to this report.
Political trial Political trial of Donald Trump