Former FBI Director James Comey pleaded not guilty Wednesday during an arraignment hearing in federal court. The plea comes after the former director was indicted on two charges: making a false statement and obstruction of a congressional proceeding.
The hearing, which took place in Alexandria, Virginia, was the first time Comey formally responded to the indictment filed last month.
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Protesters were gathered outside as the hearing took place.
How the case began
The indictment follows a push from President Donald Trump, who asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to bring charges. In a post on Truth Social ahead of the filing, he wrote, “We can’t delay any longer.”
The Trump administration accused Comey of lying to Congress about authorizing an unnamed third party to speak anonymously to reporters about an FBI investigation. In 2017, Comey told Congress that he did not authorize any leaks related to an investigation.
He reaffirmed that statement during a 2020 congressional appearance saying, “I stand by my testimony.”
Who is James Comey?
Comey was a registered Republican and served in the Department of Justice during the George W. Bush administration.
In 2013, former President Barack Obama nominated Comey to serve as the FBI Director. The Senate confirmed him to a 10-year term. However, Trump terminated Comey less than four years into his term.
