Former FBI Director James Comey was indicted Thursday by a federal grand jury on charges of making a false statement and obstructing a congressional investigation — the first time such charges have been brought against a senior official tied to the Trump-Russia saga. The indictment stems from claims that, during his 2020 Senate testimony, Comey misled the Judiciary Committee about whether he had authorized FBI leaks related to Trump or Hillary Clinton investigations.
According to the charges, Comey lied when he denied having approved or known about an anonymous source at the FBI who was providing information to the media — a statement the prosecution insists was materially false. He is also accused of “obstruction of a congressional proceeding” under federal statute 18 U.S.C. § 1505, meaning his alleged false statements impeded Congress’s oversight function.
The case marks a turning point: Comey is now the target of law enforcement himself, after years of virtue signaling about integrity and accountability. Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a defiant statement: “No one is above the law,” adding that the DOJ is committed to holding even powerful individuals accountable when they mislead the public.
In response, Comey took to Instagram to declare his innocence and express heartbreak over what he called a politicized process. “We will not live on our knees,” he said, insisting that he’s prepared for trial and remains confident in the judicial system. His arraignment is scheduled for October 9 in Alexandria before Judge Michael S. Nachmanoff.