Former FBI Director Comey indicted on two federal charges

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Former FBI Director James Comey was indicted Thursday on two federal charges after President Donald Trump publicly pressed Attorney General Pam Bondi to pursue him. A grand jury in Alexandria, Virginia, charged Comey with making false statements to Congress and obstructing a congressional proceeding. Prosecutors had sought an additional false-statements count, but jurors declined.

Bondi said the indictment showed the Justice Department’s commitment to accountability. FBI Director Kash Patel tied the charges to Comey’s role in the 2016 Russia investigation, calling it the “Russiagate hoax” and accusing past FBI leadership of corruption.

Comey, confirmed 93-1 to lead the FBI in 2013, was dismissed by Trump in 2017 amid the Russia probe. Since then, the two have clashed publicly, with Trump frequently targeting him. Over the weekend, Trump posted on social media demanding Bondi “serve justice now” against Comey and other political enemies.

The indictments were returned days after Trump-backed lawyer Lindsey Halligan became interim U.S. attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia, following the removal of Erik Siebert, who had declined to pursue charges. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) called the case “political,” arguing the prosecution reflected Trump’s vendetta.

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