Former FBI Director James Comey indicted on charges of lying to Congress, obstruction of justice

Former FBI Director James Comey was indicted by a federal grand jury Thursday on charges of making false statements and obstruction of justice.

Comey, 64, is the highest-ranking former federal official to face charges in connection with the long-running FBI investigation into alleged collusion between Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign and Russian officials.

The former top lawman faces up to five years in prison if convicted of both counts.

The indictment was handed up days before the expiration of the five-year statute of limitations to charge Comey in connection with his Sept. 30, 2020, testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee. 

“No one is above the law,” Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement on X. “Today’s indictment reflects this Department of Justice’s commitment to holding those who abuse positions of power accountable for misleading the American people. We will follow the facts in this case.”

“The charges as alleged in this case represent a breach of the public trust at an extraordinary level,” added Lindsey Halligan, US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “The balance of power is a bedrock principal [sic] of our democracy, and it relies upon accountability and a forthright presentation of facts from executive leadership to congressional oversight. Any intent to avoid, evade, prevent, or obstruct compliance is a violation of professional responsibility and, most importantly, the law.”

Earlier Thursday, Trump denied unduly pressing prosecutors to charge Comey, telling reporters in the Oval Office: “They’re going to make a determination. I’m not making that determination. I think I’d be allowed to get involved if I want, but I don’t really choose to do so.”

FBI Director Kash Patel described the indictment as “another step” in holding those behind “the Russiagate hoax” accountable. 

“Today, your FBI took another step in its promise of full accountability,” Patel wrote on X.  “For far too long, previous corrupt leadership and their enablers weaponized federal law enforcement, damaging once proud institutions and severely eroding public trust. Every day, we continue the fight to earn that trust back, and under my leadership, this FBI will confront the problem head-on. 

“Nowhere was this politicization of law enforcement more blatant than during the Russiagate hoax, a disgraceful chapter in history we continue to investigate and expose.” 

The FBI director continued, “Everyone, especially those in positions of power, will be held to account – no matter their perch.

“No one is above the law.” 

Comey, who has become an outspoken Trump critic, launched the Trump-Russia investigation, dubbed “Crossfire Hurricane,” in July of 2016, 

Trump, who was never charged with a crime related to the probe, has long blasted the investigation as a “witch hunt” and “hoax.”

The ex-FBI boss helmed the law enforcement agency until being fired by Trump in May 2017.

In May, he posted a cryptic Instagram message with seashells that read “86 47” — which was taken by some Trump supporters as a call for violence against the commander in chief.

The term “86” is slang for getting rid of something, and Trump returned to the White House as the 47th president in January.

This is a breaking story. Please check back for updates.