James Comey pleads not guilty to false statement and obstruction charges, trial set for January 5

WASHINGTON, DC: Former FBI Director James Comey pleaded not guilty to charges of making false statements and obstructing a congressional hearing during his first court appearance in Virginia on October 8. 

Comey appeared before District Judge Michael S Nachmanoff at the Albert V Bryan US Courthouse in Alexandria, accompanied by his wife, Patrice, and daughter, Maureen, who were seen waiting outside the courthouse before proceedings began.

James Comey’s trial set for January 2026 in Virginia court

Judge Nachmanoff, an appointee of former President Joe Biden, scheduled oral arguments for November 19 and December 9, with jury selection set to begin on January 5, 2026.

Comey spoke briefly during the hearing when the judge asked if he understood the charges. “I do, Your Honor. Thank you very much,” he said.

His attorney, Patrick Fitzgerald, told the court that representing Comey “is the honor of my life,” adding that the defense plans to file motions alleging vindictive and retaliatory prosecution as well as outrageous government conduct.  

James Comey faces obstruction, false statement indictment

Comey was indicted in September by a federal grand jury on two counts — making false statements within the jurisdiction of the legislative branch and obstructing a congressional proceeding under 18 USC 1505.

Prosecutors allege that Comey obstructed a congressional investigation into the disclosure of sensitive information and lied when he claimed he did not authorize an FBI employee to act as an anonymous source. The indictment asserts that Comey’s denial was knowingly false. 

Pam Bondi vows accountability after James Comey indictment

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

FBI Director Kash Patel said that career FBI agents, intelligence analysts, and staff led the investigation into Comey and others. “Every day, we continue the fight to earn that trust back, and under my leadership, this FBI will confront the problem head-on,” Patel said.

“Nowhere was this politicization of law enforcement more blatant than during the Russiagate hoax, a disgraceful chapter in history we continue to investigate and expose.”

He added, “Everyone, especially those in positions of power, will be held to account — no matter their perch.”  

James Comey vows to fight charges, says ‘fear is the tool of a tyrant’

Following the indictment, James Comey posted a defiant video on Instagram, rejecting the allegations and framing the prosecution as politically motivated.

“My family and I have known for years that there are costs to standing up to Donald Trump, but we couldn’t imagine ourselves living any other way,” Comey said. “We will not live on our knees, and you shouldn’t either. Fear is the tool of a tyrant, but I’m not afraid.”

He added, “My heart is broken for the Department of Justice, but I have great confidence in the federal judicial system. I am innocent, so let’s have a trial and keep the faith.”