The Department of Justice (DOJ) closed the investigation into classified documents found in the Indiana home of former Vice President Mike Pince and will not file charges against him.
According to a letter obtained by NBC News, the DOJ's national security division informed the former vice president's attorney that they had terminated the investigation and added that, based on the "results" obtained, they determined that no criminal charges would be filed.
The investigation began after Pence turned over about a dozen classified documents that his lawyer found on his property to the FBI. The former vice president claimed that he had no knowledge that these files were in his home and that he asked his lawyer to search his records after an investigation was launched against Joe Biden and Donald Trump for mishandling classified material.
"During the closing days of administration, when materials were boxed and assembled, some of which were shipped to our personal residence, mistakes were made. We were not aware of it at the time, ... but I take full responsibility for it," he said at the time.
A relief for Pence
The DOJ's decision comes at an important time for the former vice president, as rumors indicate that Pence may be close to announcing his candidacy for president.
NEW: Former VP Pence will not be charged in the discovery of classified documents at his Indiana home, according to a letter obtained by @NBCNews. https://t.co/NdDYcvfISs
— NBC News (@NBCNews) June 2, 2023
Trump thinks he's as innocent as Pence
Former President Donald Trump did not remain silent about the Justice Department's decision and used his social network, Truth Social, to express his opinion that he should also be exonerated.
"Just announced that they are not going to bring charges against Mike Pence on the document hoax. That's great, but when am I going to be fully exonerated, I'm at least as innocent as he is," he said.
The former president also took the opportunity to question what would happen with Joe Biden, who according to him is hiding "at least 1,850 boxes."
