U.S. Consultant Scott Perry (R-PA) speaks on the Conservative Political Motion Convention (CPAC) in Dallas, Texas, U.S., August 5, 2022. REUTERS/Brian Snyder

WASHINGTON, Aug 9 (Reuters) – Republican Congressman Scott Perry of Pennsylvania stated on Tuesday that FBI agents had seized his cell phone, in one more signal that the Justice Division’s investigation into the 2021 assault on the U.S. Capitol is heating up.

In a press release, Perry stated three agents seized his phone whereas he was touring with his household. He didn’t say why his phone was confiscated however stated he was “outraged.”

A supporter of former President Donald Trump, Perry has been the topic of a congressional investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters.

A Justice Division spokesperson declined to remark.

“They made no try to contact my lawyer, who would have made preparations for them to have my phone if that was their want,” Perry stated within the assertion, first reported by Fox Information.

“My phone accommodates data about my legislative and political actions, and private/personal discussions with my spouse, household, constituents, and pals. None of that is the federal government’s enterprise,” he stated.

Perry, who helped unfold Trump’s false statements of 2020 election fraud, was in touch with the Trump White Home within the weeks earlier than the 2021 assault on the U.S. Capitol.

Throughout a congressional listening to in June, lawmakers heard testimony that Perry sought a pardon from Trump. Perry has denied searching for a pardon. learn extra

Perry has acknowledged introducing Trump to Jeffrey Bossert Clark, a former Justice Division lawyer and Trump loyalist.

Clark wished then-Appearing Legal professional Basic Jeffrey Rosen to ship a letter to Georgia falsely claiming the division uncovered voter fraud. When that failed, Clark sought to have Trump set up him as appearing legal professional common.

In June, federal agents seized Clark’s digital units from his suburban Virginia residence.

Reporting by Eric Beech and Sarah N. Lynch; Modifying by Ross Colvin, Daniel Wallis and Cynthia Osterman

Our Requirements: The Thomson Reuters Belief Ideas.