Former FBI Director James Comey has entered a not guilty plea to charges of obstruction and making false statements during a congressional hearing. The case, which has drawn national attention, is being tried in the Eastern District of Virginia and marks one of the most high-profile legal challenges faced by the former bureau chief. Comey appeared in court at the Albert V. Bryan United States Courthouse in Alexandria, Virginia, where Judge Michael S. Nachmanoff presided. Accompanied by his wife, Patrice, and daughter, Maureen, James Comey acknowledged the charges, simply stating, I do, your honor, when asked if he understood them. He was released on his own recognizance without detention while awaiting future hearings.His defense attorney, Patrick Fitzgerald, argued that the prosecution is politically motivated and promised to file motions alleging retaliatory prosecution, misuse of the grand jury, and misconduct by the government. Fitzgerald emphasized that representing Comey is the honor of my life and accused the Department of Justice of pursuing the case in response to ongoing criticism from former President Donald Trump.
The indictment, handed down in September, accuses James Comey of two key violations: making false statements within the jurisdiction of the legislative branch and obstructing a congressional proceeding. Specifically, prosecutors allege that Comey misled lawmakers regarding whether he authorized FBI officials to act as anonymous sources during the Trump Russia probe, known internally as Crossfire Hurricane. They also claim he interfered with a congressional investigation into the disclosure of sensitive information, a violation of federal obstruction statutes.
James Comey faces indictment
Judge Nachmanoff scheduled oral arguments for November 19 and December 9, with the jury trial set to begin on January 5, 2026.
Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a strong statement following the indictment, asserting that no one is above the law and emphasizing the Justice Department’s responsibility to hold powerful figures accountable. Similarly, FBI Director Kash Patel criticized past bureau leadership, saying corruption had severely eroded public trust and vowed that the current FBI would continue working to restore integrity. For his part, Comey has continued to defend himself publicly. Following the court proceedings, he posted a video to Instagram, insisting on his innocence and portraying the charges as politically motivated retaliation. 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. He stressed his confidence in the judicial system, declaring, I am innocent, so let’s have a trial and keep the faith.
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Comey also expressed disappointment in what he described as the politicization of federal law enforcement but reiterated that he would not be intimidated. Fear is the tool of a tyrant, he said. But I’m not afraid. The case against James Comey is unfolding as federal prosecutors face a deadline under the statute of limitations. The indictment was filed just before the five-year limit expired, underscoring the urgency of the government’s decision to move forward. As one of the most prominent figures tied to the Trump Russia investigation, Comey’s trial is expected to be closely watched across the country. Legal experts say the outcome could shape not only Comey’s legacy but also the public’s perception of the Justice Department’s willingness to hold senior officials accountable.
