In brief
Federal prosecutors have announced new charges against ex‑FBI director James Comey, alleging he disclosed national defence information in 2016. This marks the third time the Justice Department has pursued criminal claims against the former chief, following earlier accusations that were dismissed. Comey’s lawyers label the indictment a politically motivated “revenge-fueled attack” and have moved to dismiss the case, citing a breach of the ten‑year statute of limitations. The latest filing emerged as a federal judge ruled that the Trump administration illegally fired Comey’s daughter, Maurene, adding fresh controversy to the saga.
Federal prosecutors have filed a new indictment against former FBI director James Comey, alleging he leaked national defence information in October 2016 while he was chief of the bureau.
The indictment marks the third time the Justice Department has moved to bring criminal charges against Comey after two earlier attempts were dropped or dismissed. Earlier cases accused him of lying to Congress, obstructing a congressional proceeding, and of being involved in a threatening Instagram post about the president.
Comey denied any wrongdoing in a video posted on Substack, calling the charges an "appalling abuse" of the Department of Justice. He maintained his innocence and said he remains confident in the independent federal judiciary.
The current filing was not an indictment but a criminal information— a formal written charging document filed directly by a prosecutor. Comey’s attorneys argue that the case was filed after the alleged conduct, which occurred 11 years ago, already fell outside the ten‑year statute of limitations. They have moved to dismiss the charges on that basis.
Former prosecutor Glenn Kirschner told the BBC that the charges likely exceeded the limitations period and that the case appears to be driven by the former president’s interest in finding new evidence against Comey. “It looks like a revenge‑fueled attempt by Donald Trump to have his Department of Justice find something that might stick,” Kirschner said.
The indictment was made public on the same day a federal judge ruled that the Trump administration had illegally fired Comey’s daughter, Maurene Comey, from her position as a federal prosecutor in New York. The judge ordered her reinstatement and back pay.
As the legal battle continues, the Justice Department’s latest move has reignited debate over political interference in the criminal justice system. Follow the full story and watch Comey’s video response at the link below.
