Classified Documents Found in President Biden's Personal Office Closet

The downtown-DC office that was being closed out when the documents were discovered.

Monday, the public became aware of 10 classified documents that were found on November 2nd---just six days before the midterm elections---while closing out a downtown-DC office that President Biden used as part of his work with the University of Pennsylvania. One of the president's personal lawyers had discovered a manilla envelope marked "personal," but upon further analysis contained classified documents from the President's term as VP for then-President, Barack Obama.

The lawyer immediately notified NARA of the discovery and made arrangements to turn over what turned out to be several boxes---out of an abundance of caution---though much of what they contained turned out to be personal documents, such as materials about Beau Biden's funeral arrangements and condolence letters.

A source familiar with the situation told CNN that the classified documents were dated between 2013 and 2016 and were found in three or four boxes that also contained unclassified documents, all falling under the Presidential Records Act.

Attorney General Merrick Garland has received a preliminary report on the documents inquiry and, following a referral from the National Archives and Records Administration, has assigned US attorney in Chicago, John Lausch Jr.---a holdover from the Trump administration---to investigate the matter. Lausch has briefed Garland multiple times and, while no additional briefings are scheduled, they will be conducted if necessary, according to their office.

After catching flack for the personal involvement in some of the key decision-making in Trump's document investigation, Lausch was a strategic appointment by Garland, as he was not appointed by Biden and does not create the appearance of a conflict of interest.

At this time, however, Lausch is not expected to undergo further "fact gathering," which means Garland must now decide how to proceed, including opening a full-blown investigation.