Report: No evidence Christie involved in plot

TRENTON, New Jersey — New Jersey lawmakers probing politically motivated traffic jams near the George Washington Bridge last year have found no evidence that Gov. Investigators found no conclusive evidence that Christie was aware of the lane closures, but they say that two former Christie aides acted with “perceived impunity” and with little regard for public safety when they ordered the lanes closed, according to a 136-page interim report by a joint legislative panel. “The Committee has finally acknowledged what we reported nine months ago — namely, that there is not a shred of evidence Governor Christie knew anything about the GWB lane realignment beforehand or that any current member of his staff was involved in that decision,” Christie attorney Randy Mastro said in a statement. “Nor is there conclusive evidence as to whether Governor Christie did or did not have involvement in implementing or directing the lane closures.” The report says former Christie aides Bridget Kelly and David Wildstein acted with “perceived impunity” and with little regard for public safety. In one email, Kelly told Wildstein, “Time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee.” Wildstein later contended that Christie knew about the lane closures as they happened.