- ‘Comey is charged with lying to Congress and obstructing justice over 2020 testimony.
- He denies authorising any leaks and insists he is innocent.
- Arraignment set for October 9 in Alexandria, Virginia
A federal grand jury in Virginia has formally indicted former Director of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), James Comey, on two criminal charges linked to his testimony before Congress in 2020.
Eko Hog Blog reports that the charges include making false statements and obstructing justice, following claims that Comey lied under oath about authorising the leak of classified information to the press.
The case is being handled by U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan, who previously served as legal counsel to former President Donald Trump.
The indictment was made public just before the five-year legal deadline for pressing charges was set to expire.
According to the documents, Comey falsely claimed he had not directed anyone in the FBI to act as an anonymous source in media reports related to a federal investigation — a statement prosecutors say was untrue.
Comey responded to the charges in a one-minute video posted online, declaring his innocence and expressing readiness to face trial.
“I am innocent. I believe in the justice system and I am prepared to clear my name,” he said.
He also referenced his history of clashing with former President Trump, saying, “My family and I have always known there are consequences for standing up to Donald Trump.”
His arraignment, where the charges will be formally read in court, is scheduled for October 9th at a federal courthouse in Alexandria, Virginia.
Attorney General Pam Bondi said the charges underscore the Justice Department’s determination to hold powerful individuals accountable.
“This case shows our resolve in ensuring that no one misleads the American people without consequences,” she said.
Comey’s lawyer, Patrick Fitzgerald, stated that his client “denies the allegations completely and looks forward to clearing his name in court.”
This marks the first time a former FBI director has been criminally indicted.
