FBI Rebukes Governor Hochul for Commenting on Ongoing Investigation

The FBI has publicly pushed back against New York Gov. Kathy Hochul's characterization of a federal investigation into a Long Island Democratic Party official as a "political hit job." In a rare statement, an FBI spokesperson asserted that commenting on joint state and federal investigations during an election campaign is "irresponsible" and serves only to "score political points."

The spokesperson added that such comments "undermine the integrity of the investigative process and hurt the candidates running for office." This marks the FBI's first public confirmation of the probe and its first acknowledgement that state investigators are involved.

The investigation centers on Suffolk County Democratic Party Chairman Rich Schaffer. Hochul, who admitted to not knowing the specific details of the claims against Schaffer, had previously dismissed the probe, drawing a parallel to former President Trump. "Anything coming out of the Trump administration days before an election… is calculated as a political hit job," Hochul stated earlier this month.

Schaffer, who has led the Suffolk County Democratic Party for over 26 years, was recently reelected to his position. He faced accusations from several party members and local officials of employing a "Mafia-style" pressure campaign for his reelection. These accusations surfaced shortly before he defeated his challenger, Kathryn Casey Quigley, in a contest for party leadership. Schaffer has denied all allegations, calling them "baseless."

The New York Post first reported on the investigation, citing sources who had been interviewed by both federal and state agents regarding Schaffer.

Hochul is currently seeking reelection, facing Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman, the current Nassau County executive.