By Harshit | September 26, 2025 | Alexandria, Virginia | 5:45 AM EDT
Former FBI Director James Comey has been formally charged by a federal grand jury in Virginia with two offences related to testimony he gave to Congress in 2020. The indictment alleges that Comey lied to a Senate committee about authorising a leak of classified information to the media. Comey pleaded not guilty and expressed confidence in the federal judicial system.
Details of the indictment
Comey faces one count of making false statements and another of obstruction of justice, both tied to his September 2020 appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee. The charges specifically relate to questions about the FBI’s handling of two investigations: Russian interference in the 2016 election and Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server.
The indictment claims that Comey falsely told the committee he had not authorised another FBI employee to act as an anonymous source in media reports about the Clinton investigation. The obstruction count alleges he attempted to impede the committee by making these false statements. A third count of making false statements was rejected by the grand jury.
If convicted, Comey could face up to five years in prison. His first court appearance may occur on Friday, while his formal arraignment is scheduled for 9 October in Alexandria, Virginia.
Political context
The indictment comes amid pressure from former President Donald Trump, who has called on the Department of Justice to pursue investigations into his political rivals, including Comey. Trump, who has repeatedly criticised Comey, tweeted that delays in these prosecutions were damaging to his “reputation and credibility.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi, appointed by Trump to oversee the Eastern District of Virginia, said the indictment demonstrates the Justice Department’s commitment to holding those in power accountable for misleading the American people.
Reactions and commentary
Comey released a video statement asserting his innocence, saying: “My family and I have known for years that there are costs to standing up to Donald Trump. We will not live on our knees, and you shouldn’t either. And I am innocent. So, let’s have a trial.”
Democratic leaders criticised the indictment as politically motivated. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries called the charges “a disgraceful attack on the rule of law” and vowed accountability for those involved.
Legal analysts, including former federal prosecutor Laurie Levenson, noted that proving the case will be challenging. “Even if James Comey got things wrong, that doesn’t mean he knowingly or intentionally lied to Congress,” she said, highlighting the difficulty in establishing intent.
Background
Comey served as FBI Director from 2013 to 2017. His tenure included the high-profile investigation into Hillary Clinton’s emails and oversight of the Russian election interference probe. He was dismissed by President Trump during the ongoing Russia investigation.
Earlier this year, Comey was also investigated by the Secret Service over a social media post containing numbers alleged to be an incitement to violence. Additionally, his daughter, Maurene Comey, a federal prosecutor, was dismissed from her position in July, prompting a lawsuit against the Trump administration.
Implications
The indictment marks one of the highest-profile charges against a public figure during Trump’s second term and intensifies scrutiny over the independence of the Department of Justice. Legal observers note that the case will test the boundaries between political influence and judicial process, with potential implications for federal law enforcement credibility and precedent in cases involving testimony before Congress.
The case is set to unfold over the coming weeks, with national attention focused on how the courts address allegations against a former FBI Director in the context of political tensions.
