James Comey, the former director of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, has pleaded not guilty to making false statements to lawmakers and obstructing a congressional proceeding. Mr. Comey's lawyer entered the plea on his behalf in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia, on Wednesday morning. Patrick Fitzgerald, his attorney, stated that he would seek to have the case dismissed on grounds that his client, a critic of President Donald Trump, was being targeted.
Mr. Comey was indicted shortly after Trump encouraged his attorney general to take action against him. A judge set a trial date for January 5, 2026, following a request from Comey's legal team for a speedy trial.
The prosecution and defense expect the trial to last just two to three days. In court, Mr. Fitzgerald mentioned plans to file motions to dismiss the case, arguing that the prosecution was vindictive and that a U.S. attorney was unlawfully appointed to oversee the case.
Mr. Comey's case was initially managed by Erik Siebert, a Virginia prosecutor who resigned under pressure from Trump after failing to indict another political adversary, New York Attorney General Letitia James. Trump then appointed Lindsey Halligan to replace Siebert.
During the hearing, Comey, in good spirits, expressed clarity on the charges against him. Each of the two charges carries a penalty of up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $200,000. Ms. Halligan, who took over as top federal prosecutor in Virginia's eastern district in September, secured the indictment against Comey after prior prosecutors deemed there was insufficient evidence.
Comey, who served as FBI Director from 2013 to 2017, is accused of lying during his testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee regarding his involvement in the investigations of both the Russian election interference and Hillary Clinton’s email practices. After his indictment, he stated on social media that he is innocent and accused Trump of behaving like a 'tyrant'.
The rapid developments in the case were evident as defense lawyers complained about not having timely access to classified documents needed for their case preparation. Observing the proceedings, Judge Michael Nachmanoff emphasized that delays will not hinder the case's progress due to the government's failure to promptly provide evidence.
Since leaving his government position, James Comey has remained a vocal critic of the Trump administration, asserting the costs of standing up to presidential power.
Mr. Comey was indicted shortly after Trump encouraged his attorney general to take action against him. A judge set a trial date for January 5, 2026, following a request from Comey's legal team for a speedy trial.
The prosecution and defense expect the trial to last just two to three days. In court, Mr. Fitzgerald mentioned plans to file motions to dismiss the case, arguing that the prosecution was vindictive and that a U.S. attorney was unlawfully appointed to oversee the case.
Mr. Comey's case was initially managed by Erik Siebert, a Virginia prosecutor who resigned under pressure from Trump after failing to indict another political adversary, New York Attorney General Letitia James. Trump then appointed Lindsey Halligan to replace Siebert.
During the hearing, Comey, in good spirits, expressed clarity on the charges against him. Each of the two charges carries a penalty of up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $200,000. Ms. Halligan, who took over as top federal prosecutor in Virginia's eastern district in September, secured the indictment against Comey after prior prosecutors deemed there was insufficient evidence.
Comey, who served as FBI Director from 2013 to 2017, is accused of lying during his testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee regarding his involvement in the investigations of both the Russian election interference and Hillary Clinton’s email practices. After his indictment, he stated on social media that he is innocent and accused Trump of behaving like a 'tyrant'.
The rapid developments in the case were evident as defense lawyers complained about not having timely access to classified documents needed for their case preparation. Observing the proceedings, Judge Michael Nachmanoff emphasized that delays will not hinder the case's progress due to the government's failure to promptly provide evidence.
Since leaving his government position, James Comey has remained a vocal critic of the Trump administration, asserting the costs of standing up to presidential power.
