James Comey Indicted, Denies Perjury, Says ‘I am Innocent’/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Former FBI Director James Comey has been indicted on charges of lying to Congress and obstructing a congressional investigation. Comey released a defiant video declaring he is “not afraid” and maintains his innocence. His arraignment is scheduled for October 9 in Virginia federal court.
Comey Indictment Quick Looks
- Charges Filed: Lying to Congress, obstruction of congressional proceedings.
- Indictment Origin: Testimony from Sept. 30, 2020, about FBI’s Trump–Russia probe.
- Comey’s Response: Posted video declaring innocence and courage.
- Defense Team: Represented by Patrick J. Fitzgerald, veteran prosecutor.
- Court Date: Arraignment set for Oct. 9 in Virginia.
- FBI Statement: Director Kash Patel defended agents’ work, dismissed politicization claims.
- Trump Reaction: Celebrated indictment, called Comey a “dirty cop.”
- Political Backdrop: DOJ acted within five-year statute of limitations.
- Historical Role: Comey once led FBI through Clinton emails and Russia probe.
- Next Steps: Trial preparation expected to draw national attention.
Deep Look: Comey Defiant After Indictment for Lying to Congress
Former FBI Director James Comey faces a stunning legal battle after a federal grand jury indicted him on charges of making false statements and obstructing a congressional investigation. The indictment stems from his September 30, 2020 testimony before Congress regarding the FBI’s handling of its original Trump–Russia investigation, known as “Crossfire Hurricane.”
Comey, who once led the bureau through politically charged investigations into Hillary Clinton’s email practices and alleged ties between the Trump campaign and Russia, now finds himself at the center of a prosecution pursued by the Justice Department under President Donald Trump.
Comey’s Defiant Response
In a video statement posted on Instagram, Comey pushed back against the charges:
“We will not live on our knees, and you shouldn’t either. Fear is the tool of a tyrant. But I’m not afraid.”
He added that while his family had long prepared for consequences of opposing Trump, they would not back down. Comey insisted he was innocent, declaring confidence in the judicial system and calling for the case to go to trial.
Charges Explained
The indictment alleges that Comey lied under oath when he denied authorizing an FBI official to serve as an anonymous source. Prosecutors claim this denial obstructed a congressional investigation into the leak of sensitive information, violating 18 U.S.C. § 1505, which criminalizes obstruction of congressional proceedings.
Comey’s attorney, Patrick J. Fitzgerald—a former U.S. attorney best known for prosecuting Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich—vowed to fight the case:
“Jim Comey denies the charges in their entirety. We look forward to vindicating him in court.”
Court Proceedings Ahead
Comey is expected to surrender voluntarily on Friday. His arraignment is scheduled for October 9 before Judge Michael S. Nachmanoff, a Biden appointee to the federal bench in Virginia’s Eastern District.
The case is notable not only because of its high-profile defendant but also because prosecutors were racing against the five-year statute of limitations, which would have expired Tuesday.
Reactions Across Washington
The indictment has reignited partisan divides over the FBI’s role in past political controversies.
- FBI Director Kash Patel praised the bureau’s work on the case, dismissing allegations of political motivation as “wildly false.” He argued that the investigation showed the FBI was “right over the target.”
- President Donald Trump celebrated the indictment on Truth Social, calling Comey a “dirty cop” who “lied” to Congress. Trump insisted the charges were clear-cut and said Comey must pay a “very big price.”
Meanwhile, reports suggest that former CIA Director John Brennan is also under investigation for his role in the Trump–Russia probe, signaling that the Justice Department could widen its scrutiny of former intelligence officials.
Comey’s Tumultuous Legacy
Comey’s career has been marked by high-stakes controversies. As FBI director, he publicly criticized Hillary Clinton’s email practices weeks before the 2016 election, a move some Democrats say damaged her campaign. Months later, he was fired by Trump amid the Russia investigation, an action that triggered widespread political fallout.
Comey later admitted he leaked memos documenting conversations with Trump, though an inspector general report concluded he violated FBI policy without leaking classified information. Those memos became central to the public debate over whether Trump attempted to obstruct justice.
Now, Comey faces the reverse role: as a defendant accused of obstructing congressional oversight.
What Comes Next
The indictment sets the stage for a trial that could reshape Comey’s legacy and reignite partisan battles over the Trump–Russia era investigations. If convicted, he could face significant penalties.
For now, Comey remains resolute:
“I’m innocent. So let’s have a trial and keep the faith.”
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