Former FBI director James Comey has pleaded not guilty to two charges of making false statements to lawmakers and obstructing a congressional proceeding. His lawyer entered the plea on his behalf in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia, on Wednesday morning. Patrick Fitzgerald, Comey’s lawyer, stated they would seek to have the case dismissed for several reasons, including that his client, a critic of US President Donald Trump, was being targeted.
Comey was indicted just days after Trump urged his attorney general to take action against him. A trial date has been set for January 5, 2026, after a request by Comey’s lawyer for a speedy trial. Both the prosecution and defense expect the trial to last only a few days.
In court, Fitzgerald indicated they would file several motions to dismiss the case, claiming the prosecution was vindictive and that a US attorney had been unlawfully appointed for the case. Comey was dismissively fired as FBI director in 2017, shortly after Trump took office, while he was leading probes into Russian election interference and potential links to Trump's campaign.
Focusing on the alleged incidents that led to the indictment, Comey is accused of lying during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in September 2020. He allegedly misled Congress regarding information on investigations into both Russia’s election intervention and Hillary Clinton's email usage.
Comey appeared in good spirits during the proceedings, sharing light-hearted moments with his family, which included his wife and his daughter, who is a federal prosecutor recently dismissed under the Trump administration. After his rights were read in court, Comey affirmed his understanding of the charges against him, each carrying a potential penalty of five years in prison along with hefty fines.
The legal drama surrounding Comey's case reflects broader tensions within U.S. politics, particularly regarding executive power and accountability. Since his departure from the FBI, Comey has been a steadfast critic of Trump, asserting his innocence and challenging the motives behind the charges. As this case unfolds, many will be watching closely to see how it plays out in the court and the potential implications for U.S. politics.
Comey was indicted just days after Trump urged his attorney general to take action against him. A trial date has been set for January 5, 2026, after a request by Comey’s lawyer for a speedy trial. Both the prosecution and defense expect the trial to last only a few days.
In court, Fitzgerald indicated they would file several motions to dismiss the case, claiming the prosecution was vindictive and that a US attorney had been unlawfully appointed for the case. Comey was dismissively fired as FBI director in 2017, shortly after Trump took office, while he was leading probes into Russian election interference and potential links to Trump's campaign.
Focusing on the alleged incidents that led to the indictment, Comey is accused of lying during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in September 2020. He allegedly misled Congress regarding information on investigations into both Russia’s election intervention and Hillary Clinton's email usage.
Comey appeared in good spirits during the proceedings, sharing light-hearted moments with his family, which included his wife and his daughter, who is a federal prosecutor recently dismissed under the Trump administration. After his rights were read in court, Comey affirmed his understanding of the charges against him, each carrying a potential penalty of five years in prison along with hefty fines.
The legal drama surrounding Comey's case reflects broader tensions within U.S. politics, particularly regarding executive power and accountability. Since his departure from the FBI, Comey has been a steadfast critic of Trump, asserting his innocence and challenging the motives behind the charges. As this case unfolds, many will be watching closely to see how it plays out in the court and the potential implications for U.S. politics.
