James Comey Indicted on Charges Related to Testimony Before Congress

Tue Oct 21 2025 07:10:40 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Former FBI Director James Comey faces indictment on two counts connected to alleged false statements made during Congress testimony regarding classified information leaks.

A federal grand jury in Virginia has indicted James Comey, former FBI Director, on charges of lying to Congress and obstruction of justice related to his September 2020 testimony. Accused of misrepresenting his authorization of classified information leaks, Comey has denied wrongdoing and expressed confidence in his impending trial. The charges come amidst heightened scrutiny from former President Donald Trump and a significant shift in the leadership of the prosecutorial team.

James Comey Indicted on Charges Related to Testimony Before Congress

A federal grand jury in the US state of Virginia has indicted former FBI Director James Comey on two charges related to his testimony to Congress. The indictment alleges that Comey misled lawmakers regarding his authorization of a leak of classified information to the media during his testimony in September 2020.

Mr. Comey, who has been a point of contention for former President Donald Trump, has stated that he is innocent and holds great confidence in the federal judicial system. This move follows recent calls from Trump for more aggressive legal action against his political opponents, including Comey.

The indictment is spearheaded by Lindsey Halligan, the new US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, who recently assumed her role after the previous prosecutor was dismissed by the Trump administration.

The charges against Comey include one count of making false statements and another count for obstruction of justice. The first count pertains to his claim to the Senate Judiciary Committee that he had not authorized anyone at the FBI to serve as an anonymous source in news reports regarding his discussions with Trump about an FBI investigation into Russian election interference.

The indictment's formal arraignment is scheduled for October 9 in Alexandria, Virginia, where charges will be read in court. If found guilty, Comey faces a possible sentence of up to five years in prison, marking him as the first ex-FBI director to face such legal consequences.

Lawyer Patrick Fitzgerald, representing Comey, expressed confidence in their case and emphasized their readiness to contest the charges. Moreover, Comey remarked on the broader implications of standing against Trump and reiterated his claim of innocence, urging for a trial to clear his name.

This case has drawn significant media attention, particularly given Trump's public comments labeling Comey as detrimental to the country and the criticism of the ongoing investigations into political figures.

As Mr. Comey awaits trial, legal experts note that proving intent and credibility will be pivotal in the upcoming proceedings. The case reflects a deeply polarized political climate, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding the intersection of judicial processes and political maneuverings.