James Comey Indicted on Charges of Lying and Obstruction

Former FBI Director James Comey has been formally charged with making false statements and obstructing justice, related to his Senate testimony on September 30, 2020. The indictment alleges that Comey falsely claimed he did not authorize leaks to media outlets concerning investigations into alleged collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia, as well as Hillary Clinton’s email practices.

The two-page indictment states that Comey knew he had authorized a source to serve as an anonymous journalist for news reports about an FBI investigation involving the President. If convicted on both counts, Comey faces up to five years in prison.

He is expected to surrender on Friday morning to face the charges.

In reaction to the indictment, Comey posted a video on Substack, expressing his resilience. “My family and I have known for years that standing up to Donald Trump comes with costs, but we wouldn’t live any other way,” he said. “We will not live on our knees, and you shouldn’t either.”

Comey described himself as innocent and called for a trial, expressing confidence in the judicial system. As FBI Director from 2013 until his dismissal in 2017, Comey has been a persistent critic of Trump, particularly regarding the Russia probe, which Trump has dismissed as a “hoax” and “witch hunt.”

Former President Trump reacted strongly, claiming Comey has been detrimental to the country and should be held accountable, sharing on social media: “He has been so bad for our Country, for so long, and is now at the beginning of being held responsible for his crimes against our Nation.” Trump concluded his post with, “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”