Former FBI Chief Faces Federal Charges
Former FBI director James Comey has been indicted on two felony counts — obstruction of justice and making a false statement to Congress.
The charges were unsealed late Thursday, marking one of the most high-profile prosecutions of a former US law enforcement chief in modern history.
Comey, who led the bureau from 2013 to 2017, was dismissed by then-President Donald Trump while overseeing an inquiry into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.
Trump’s Long-Standing Grievance
The indictment arrives days after President Trump publicly pressed his attorney general, Pam Bondi, to pursue cases against what he called “political enemies.” Trump, who has himself faced multiple indictments and impeachments, posted on Truth Social:
“JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!! We can’t delay any longer, it’s killing our reputation and credibility.”
Hours after the charges were confirmed, Trump declared it “Justice in America,” celebrating what he described as accountability for Comey.
DOJ Says “No One Is Above the Law”
Attorney General Bondi announced the charges in Washington, stressing the Department of Justice’s independence.
“No one is above the law,” she said. “This indictment reflects our commitment to holding officials accountable when they misuse their positions of power to mislead the American people.”
The case alleges that Comey misled Congress in 2020 when he denied authorizing associates to brief the press about his private interactions with Trump during the Russia probe.
Comey: “I Am Innocent”
Comey rejected the accusations, issuing a defiant statement:
“My family and I have known for years there are costs to standing up to Donald Trump. We will not live on our knees. Fear is the tool of a tyrant — but I am not afraid. I am innocent, and I welcome a trial.”
He also voiced sorrow over the damage to the Justice Department’s reputation but insisted he has “faith in the judicial system.”
Fallout in Washington
The indictment triggered immediate political reverberations. Comey’s son-in-law, Troy Edwards, resigned as a federal prosecutor in protest, saying he wanted to uphold his oath to the Constitution.
Meanwhile, Democrats accused the Trump administration of weaponizing federal law enforcement against critics, while Republicans hailed the move as overdue accountability.
Background: Russia Investigation Legacy
Comey’s dismissal in 2017 set off a political firestorm. Special Counsel Robert Mueller later took over the Russia investigation, documenting numerous contacts between Trump campaign figures and Russian operatives but stopping short of proving criminal conspiracy.
Although internal watchdogs faulted Comey for handling sensitive memos about Trump, earlier Justice Department reviews declined to pursue criminal charges.
What Happens Next
Comey is expected to surrender voluntarily on Friday morning, according to CNN. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
The trial is likely to deepen partisan divides, with Democrats framing the case as retribution and Trump allies casting it as long-overdue justice.
M10News Political Desk | Contact: politics@m10news.com
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