The grand jury’s recommendations were not made public, including whether criminal charges should be filed. McBurney scheduled a Jan. 24 hearing to determine whether to release the report. His order noted the grand jury had “voted to recommend that its report be published” and appeared to make its release “mandatory” — though the judge said he would hear “argument” on the issue.
“The Court thanks the grand jurors for their dedication, professionalism, and significant commitment of time and attention to this important matter. It was no small sacrifice to serve,” McBurney wrote.
The special grand jury was investigating whether Trump and his allies violated Georgia law when they spread rumors about alleged election fraud in the state and pressured Georgia officials to undertake efforts that would change the results of the state’s presidential election, which Trump lost by fewer than 12,000 votes.
Over roughly six months, the special grand jury heard from dozens of witnesses. Several top Trump allies appeared before the panel, including Sen. Lindsey O.Graham (R-S.C.) and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani. The grand jury also heard testimony from top Georgia officials including Gov. Brian Kemp (R) and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, who were the subject of intense pressure campaigns from Trump and his allies as they sought to change the outcome of the election.
Under Georgia law, special grand juries cannot issue indictments but can issue a report making recommendations. Fulton County District Attorney Fani T. Willis, who opened the investigation in January 2021, is now expected to weigh those recommendations as she considers charges in the case.
Should Willis seek to file criminal charges, the district attorney would have to impanel a regular grand jury that considers criminal cases — a move that could precede any publication of the grand jury report.
A spokesman for Willis did not immediately respond to a request for comment.