Introduction to the Indictment
Former FBI Director James Comey appeared defiant in a new video released Thursday in response to his indictment, declaring his innocence and saying he has “great confidence in the federal judicial system.”
“My family and I have known for years that there are costs to standing up to Donald Trump. But we couldn’t imagine ourselves living any other way,” Comey said in a video on Instagram. “We will not live on our knees, and you shouldn’t either.”
“My heart is broken for the Department of Justice, but I have great confidence in the federal judicial system,” Comey said. “And I’m innocent. So let’s have a trial.”
The Indictment Details
A federal grand jury indicted Comey earlier Thursday on one count of making a false statement and one count of obstruction of a congressional proceeding stemming from testimony he gave to Congress in 2020.
Prosecutors allege that he lied to the Judiciary Committee on Sept. 30, 2020, when he asserted that he did not authorize an FBI official to act as an anonymous source to the media.
Trump Administration Reaction
The indictment comes almost a week after President Donald Trump complained in a social media post that he had seen statements that “nothing is being done” about Comey and other Trump opponents.
In the post addressed to Attorney General Pam Bondi, the president wrote, “They impeached me twice, and indicted me (5 times!), over nothing,” and “Justice must be served, now!!” in all capital letters.
The indictment also comes days after the top prosecutor for the Eastern District of Virginia, where it was filed, was ousted.
Acting U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert resigned Friday after pressure from Trump, who said, “I want him out.” Seibert was tasked with pursuing mortgage fraud allegations against New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Trump political opponent, but never filed charges.
Trump then said he was appointing Lindsey Halligan to replace Siebert. Halligan, a former personal attorney for Trump, was sworn in Monday as interim U.S. attorney for the district.
Related News
Trump applauds indictment of ex-FBI Director James Comey
Trump says Comey called for ‘assassination of the president’ with ‘8647′ Instagram post
Conclusion
The indictment of James Comey has sparked a significant reaction from both the former FBI Director and the Trump Administration. Comey has maintained his innocence and expressed confidence in the federal judicial system, while Trump has applauded the indictment and called for justice to be served. The case is likely to be closely watched in the coming weeks and months as it unfolds.
FAQs
Q: What is James Comey charged with?
A: James Comey is charged with one count of making a false statement and one count of obstruction of a congressional proceeding.
Q: What is the basis for the indictment?
A: The indictment is based on testimony Comey gave to Congress in 2020, in which he allegedly lied about authorizing an FBI official to act as an anonymous source to the media.
Q: How has the Trump Administration reacted to the indictment?
A: The Trump Administration has applauded the indictment, with President Trump calling for justice to be served.
Q: What is the next step in the case?
A: The next step in the case will be a trial, in which Comey will have the opportunity to defend himself against the charges.
