Former FBI Director James Comey Indicted for Allegedly Lying to Congress: DOJ Issues Statement

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Justice has released a formal update following the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey, who now faces federal charges related to allegedly making false statements during congressional testimony.

Comey is set to appear in federal court in Alexandria, Virginia, on October 9, according to recently filed court documents. A formal summons has been issued requiring Comey to appear for arraignment at 10:00 a.m. No arrest warrant has been filed at this time, signaling that Comey will appear voluntarily.

According to two sources familiar with the situation, federal officials had initially anticipated Comey would surrender as early as Friday. However, the legal process appears to be proceeding through formal court summons rather than immediate detainment.

The indictment stems from a lengthy investigation into Comey’s statements during a September 30, 2020, appearance before Congress, where he addressed the FBI’s conduct during the agency’s 2016 counterintelligence operation, known as “Crossfire Hurricane.” That probe examined potential connections between then-candidate Donald Trump’s campaign and Russian interference in the 2016 election.

Prosecutors allege that Comey lied under oath when he testified that he had never authorized anyone at the FBI to provide information to the press anonymously. According to the indictment, evidence suggests that Comey had in fact approved such actions, including communications that involved then–Deputy Director Andrew McCabe.

McCabe reportedly told investigators that he received explicit permission from Comey to disclose specific information to the media, contradicting Comey’s sworn statements.

Attorney General Pam Bondi responded to the indictment by issuing a statement emphasizing the Justice Department’s commitment to legal accountability.

“No one is above the law,” Bondi posted on X. “Today’s indictment reflects this Department of Justice’s commitment to holding those who abuse positions of power accountable for misleading the American people. We will follow the facts in this case.”

FBI Director Kash Patel also weighed in, describing the indictment as a step toward restoring public confidence in the agency following years of controversy.

“Today, your FBI took another step in its promise of full accountability,” Patel wrote. “For far too long, corrupt leadership weaponized federal law enforcement, eroding trust in our most important institutions.”

“This FBI, under my leadership, will continue to confront the consequences of that era, especially the politicization of law enforcement seen during the so-called Russiagate investigation — a dark chapter we’re still uncovering,” he added.

Former President Donald Trump reacted swiftly to the news on Truth Social, calling the indictment long overdue and labeling Comey a “dirty cop.”

“Whether you like Corrupt James Comey or not — and I can’t imagine too many people liking him — HE LIED!” Trump posted. “It’s not a complicated lie. It’s a simple but IMPORTANT one. There is no way he can explain this away.”

Comey himself responded to the indictment in a video posted to Instagram, denying the allegations and framing the charges as politically motivated.

“My family and I have always known there are costs to standing up to Donald Trump,” he said. “But we couldn’t imagine living any other way. We will not live on our knees, and neither should you.”

“Fear is the weapon of tyrants — and I’m not afraid,” he added.

Comey also expressed confidence in the justice system and called for a fair trial.

“My heart is broken for the Department of Justice,” he said. “But I trust the federal courts. I’m innocent, and I welcome the opportunity to prove it at trial.”

Comey served as FBI Director from 2013 until May 2017, when he was abruptly fired by President Trump. That dismissal later became a central point of inquiry in Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into whether Trump obstructed justice.

Comey’s tenure was marked by two of the most politically contentious investigations in recent history: the probe into Hillary Clinton’s private email server and the Trump–Russia investigation. Both inquiries drew sharp criticism — Democrats accused Comey of interfering with Clinton’s 2016 campaign, while Republicans argued that he used the FBI to launch an unfounded and partisan investigation into Trump.

Since leaving public service, Comey has become one of Trump’s most vocal critics, regularly commenting on the former president’s legal battles and political influence. His high-profile stance has made him both a hero to some and a target for others.

Now, as he prepares to face a criminal trial of his own, the former FBI Director finds himself at the center of yet another legal and political firestorm — this time, as the accused.