Former FBI Director James Comey has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of making a false statement and obstruction of a congressional proceeding. The indictment, filed in the Eastern District of Virginia on September 25, 2025, stems from Comey's testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee on September 30, 2020. The charges allege that Comey falsely stated he had not authorized anyone at the FBI to act as an anonymous source for the press regarding an investigation. Prosecutors contend this statement was untrue and that Comey's testimony was intended to obstruct the committee's inquiry. The indictment was filed as the statute of limitations for these charges was nearing its expiration.
President Donald Trump reacted to the indictment on his Truth Social account, stating, "JUSTICE IN AMERICA!" and referring to Comey as "one of the worst human beings this Country has ever been exposed to." Attorney General Pam Bondi echoed this sentiment, stating, "No one is above the law," and emphasizing the Department of Justice's commitment to accountability. FBI Director Kash Patel framed the indictment as a step towards restoring accountability within the FBI and confronting past "politicization of law enforcement." Comey, who was appointed FBI Director by President Barack Obama and later fired by President Trump in 2017, has maintained his innocence. In a video posted on Instagram, Comey expressed his heartbreak for the Department of Justice but stated, "I have great faith in the federal judicial system, and I am innocent, so let's have a trial and keep the faith." His attorney, Patrick Fitzgerald, stated they look forward to vindicating him in court.
Reactions from Democratic lawmakers were largely condemnatory, with many labeling the indictment as a politically motivated "abuse of power" and "an act of vengeance." Senator Mark Warner of Virginia expressed concern that the administration was undermining the rule of law by replacing an independent prosecutor with a "partisan loyalist." Conversely, some Republican lawmakers viewed the indictment as a necessary step towards justice, asserting that "Russiagate was a complete hoax, and those that perpetrated this should face justice."
This indictment is the latest development in the long-standing controversy surrounding the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. elections. The investigation, which began in July 2016, examined links between Trump associates and Russian officials. While the Special Counsel investigation led by Robert Mueller concluded there was insufficient evidence to bring conspiracy or coordination charges against Trump or his associates, it detailed numerous contacts between the campaign and Russian individuals. The indictment against Comey does not pertain to the substance of the Russia investigation itself, but rather to his testimony regarding it. Earlier in 2025, Comey faced accusations of alluding to President Trump's assassination through a social media post, which he later explained was a misunderstanding and that he opposes violence.