Former FBI Director James Comey pleaded not guilty on Wednesday morning in federal court in Alexandria, Virginia, to charges stemming from his 2020 Senate testimony. His attorney, Patrick J. Fitzgerald, entered the plea and requested a jury trial.
Judge Michael S. Nachmanoff set the trial date for January 5. U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan, appointed by President Donald Trump, is leading the prosecution.
Why It Matters
Comey’s indictment is the most prominent legal action taken against a figure publicly targeted by Trump, who has repeatedly called for prosecutions of his critics. The case raises questions about the influence of politics on federal prosecutions and the viability of charges stemming from contested congressional testimony.
If convicted, Comey could face up to five years in prison. Legal analysts suggest that the case may be difficult to prove, and the defense has signaled plans to challenge the clarity and validity of the indictment.
Why Was James Comey Being Investigated?
Comey became a target of federal scrutiny following years of public pressure from Trump, who repeatedly accused him of misconduct related to the Russia investigation. Trump’s calls for legal action intensified in 2025, when he urged U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to pursue charges against Comey, Representative Adam Schiff, and New York Attorney General Letitia James.
The investigation focused on Comey’s role in the 2016 probe into Trump’s campaign and his subsequent public statements. Prosecutors in the Eastern District of Virginia initially declined to pursue charges, but the case was revived after Trump installed Halligan as U.S. attorney.
Why Is James Comey Being Indicted?
Comey faces two federal charges: one count of making a false statement and one count of obstructing a congressional proceeding. Both stem from his testimony before a Senate committee in September 2020. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison.
Defense attorney Patrick Fitzgerald said the indictment remains vague. He told the court that the defense team had only received substantive contact from prosecutors the day before the arraignment and still lacked clarity on key elements, including the identities of “Person 1” and “Person 3,” as well as the specific allegations in each count.
James Comey’s Family: Who Appeared Outside Courthouse?
Comey’s wife, children, and son-in-law, Troy Edwards, arrived at the Albert V. Bryan United States Courthouse in Alexandria, Virginia, ahead of the arraignment.
Edwards previously worked as a prosecutor in the exact U.S. Attorney’s Office that brought charges against Comey. He resigned shortly after the indictment was filed.
When Is James Comey’s Trial?
Judge Nachmanoff scheduled the trial for January 5, later than the December 17 deadline that would have applied under a speedy trial rule. Both the defense and prosecution requested additional time, citing the need to review classified materials and prepare motions.
Fitzgerald proposed a schedule that includes filing dispositive motions by October 20 and briefs by November 20. He indicated the defense hopes to resolve the case without going to trial, stating, “We’d like certain dispositive motions addressed first in the hopes a trial can be avoided.”
