The Justice Department has indicted former FBI Director James Comey. The charges come just days before the statute of limitations on charging him with crimes related to his tenure as bureau chief expires.
Comey indictment
Comey’s indictment stems from the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Trump has long called that investigation a “witch hunt” and a “hoax.”
That investigation did show Russian interference on behalf of Trump’s campaign. Trump later hired a special investigator to probe the origins of the Russia investigation, but it didn’t discover evidence that vindicated Trump’s accusations.
John Durham’s probe led to the indictment of three men in charges not directly linked to the operation. Prosecutors failed to convict two of the three men in court, while the other pleaded guilty.
Comey faces two counts, including making false statements and obstruction of justice.
“No one is above the law,” Attorney General Pam Bondi posted 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.”
Trump celebrated on Truth Social.
“JUSTICE IN AMERICA!” Trump posted. “One of the worst human beings this Country has ever been exposed to is James Comey, the former Corrupt Head of the FBI.”
Trump’s call to prosecute
It comes days after President Donald Trump urged his attorney general to target his political enemies.
Trump posted a message to Bondi on Truth Social. He called on her to go after people he has grievances with, including Comey, Sen. Adam Schiff and more.
“We can’t delay any longer, it’s killing our reputation and credibility,” Trump posted. “They impeached me twice, and indicted me (5 times!), OVER NOTHING. JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!!
Attorney change
U.S. Attorney Erik Siebert resigned last week as Trump pressured him to bring charges against New York Attorney General Letitia James.
Bondi then appointed conservative lawyer Maggie Cleary to the role on an acting basis.
However, Trump insisted that his personal lawyer, Lindsey Halligan, be given the job, despite having no prosecutorial experience. She was sworn in two days ago and filed the charges against Comey.
Schiff responded on X.“Donald Trump forced out a respected U.S. Attorney because they wouldn’t go along with Trump’s demands for political prosecutions,” Schiff posted. “Less than a week later, his inexperienced handpicked successor brings charges against a member of Trump’s enemies list. In my almost six years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, I never witnessed such a blatant abuse of the department.”
