Donald Trump’s former attorney Rudy Giuliani has been suspended from practicing law in New York due to making “false and misleading statements” about the election loss of Donald Trump.
The Appellate Division of the New York Supreme Court said on Thursday they were suspending Giuliani’s license effective immediately.
“There is uncontroverted evidence that respondent communicated demonstrably false and misleading statements to courts, lawmakers and the public at large in his capacity as lawyer for former President Donald J. Trump and the Trump campaign in connection with Trump’s failed effort at reelection in 2020,” the Appellate Division wrote, according to ABC News.
“These false statements were made to improperly bolster respondent’s narrative that due to widespread voter fraud, victory in the 2020 United States presidential election was stolen from his client. We conclude that respondent’s conduct immediately threatens the public interest and warrants interim suspension from the practice of law, pending further proceedings before the Attorney Grievance Committee,” the ruling said.
Giuliani’s suspension is temporary, pending the outcome of a full formal disciplinary hearing. Still is a stunning turn of events for the man who was the former New York City mayor, served as a top Justice Department official, and as the U.S. Attorney in Manhattan.
Giuliani’s lawyers John Leventhal and Barry Kamins said in a statement to CNBC, “We are disappointed with the Appellate Division, First Department’s decision suspending Mayor Giuliani prior to being afforded a hearing on the issues that are alleged.”
“This is unprecedented as we believe that our client does not pose a present danger to the public interest,” the statement said. “We believe that once the issues are fully explored at a hearing Mr. Giuliani will be reinstated as a valued member of the legal profession that he has served so well in his many capacities for so many years.”
