Justice Department fires interim attorney for Eastern Virginia shortly after appointment

ARLINGTON, Va. (7News) — Federal judges, in an effort to fill the lead prosecutor role for the Eastern District of Virginia, announced an interim appointee on Friday evening. One that was fired by the Justice Department before the day could end.

Chief Judge M. Hannah Lauck issued a statement Friday confirming the appointment of James M. Hundley as Interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. Justice Department Deputy Director Todd Blanche, in a statement on social media at around 6:45 p.m., fired Hundley.

“EDVA judges do not pick our US Attorney. POTUS does. James Hundley, you’re fired,” Blanche wrote.

Hundley, who had 35 years of experience, including six years in the Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, was set to fill a position that was, in effect, left open after a federal judge determined the Trump administration illegally appointed Lindsey Halligan.

Halligan remained in the office for several weeks after the ruling but ultimately stepped down from the Justice Department in January.

Hundley took the oath of office in Richmond, according to the federal court.

Federal judges are allowed to appoint interim attorneys after a certain time has passed and no presidential nominee has been made.