Former FBI Director James Comey Indicted on Felony Charges of Lying to Congress and Obstruction

Indictment Details Emerge

Former FBI Director James Comey was indicted on September 26, 2025, by a federal grand jury in Northern Virginia on two felony counts. The charges include making a false statement to Congress and obstructing a congressional proceeding. This indictment marks an unprecedented step against a former FBI director and follows significant public pressure from President Donald Trump. The charges relate to Comey's testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee in September 2020. Each felony count carries a potential sentence of up to five years in prison.

Allegations of False Statements and Obstruction

The indictment centers on Comey's sworn testimony during a 2020 Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, where he was questioned about the FBI's handling of investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 election and Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server. Prosecutors allege that Comey knowingly misled senators on at least two points:

• Making a False Statement: Comey is accused of falsely denying that he had ever authorized an FBI staffer to serve as an anonymous source in media reports concerning the bureau's 2016 investigations. This allegation specifically references a contentious exchange with Senator Ted Cruz of Texas during the September 30, 2020, Senate hearing. Testimony from former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe reportedly contradicted Comey's statement on this matter.
• Obstructing a Congressional Proceeding: The second count alleges that Comey attempted to 'influence, obstruct and impede' an investigation by the Senate Judiciary Committee through 'making false and misleading statements.' The indictment, however, did not specify the exact false statement that led to this obstruction charge.

The indictment was returned in the Eastern District of Virginia just as the five-year statute of limitations for charges arising from his September 2020 testimony was set to expire on September 30, 2025.

Political Context and Reactions

The indictment comes after President Trump publicly urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to prosecute Comey and other perceived political adversaries. Trump celebrated the indictment on his Truth Social platform, stating, 'JUSTICE IN AMERICA!' Attorney General Bondi issued a statement asserting that the indictment 'reflects this Department of Justice's commitment to holding those who abuse positions of power accountable for misleading the American people.'

In response to the charges, Comey released an Instagram video asserting his innocence. He stated, 'My heart is broken for the Department of Justice but I have great confidence in the federal judicial system, and I'm innocent. So let's have a trial.' His attorney, Patrick J Fitzgerald, also confirmed that Comey denies the charges in their entirety. Comey's arraignment is scheduled for October 9, 2025, in Virginia.