Previous FBI Chief James Comey Files Not Guilty Plea to Allegations of Lying Congress

James Comey court appearance
He has maintained his innocence concerning the charges

Former Federal Bureau of Investigation head James Comey has denied the charges to providing misleading information to lawmakers and impeding a legislative process.

The former director's attorney submitted the answer representing him in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.

Patrick Fitzgerald stated he would seek to have the legal matter terminated for several causes including that his client, a critic of former President Trump, was being singled out.

Mr Comey was indicted just days after Trump pushed his chief prosecutor to take action against him.

Legal Proceedings

In court on mid-week, his attorney Patrick Fitzgerald advised the court they intended to present multiple legal requests to dismiss the case before a legal hearing, arguing the prosecution was vindictive and that a federal prosecutor was wrongfully designated to take over the case.

Mr Comey's case was initially managed by a Virginia prosecutor, who left his position under influence from Trump after his investigation into another opponent - the New York official - did not succeed to file indictments.

Courtroom Atmosphere

Mr Comey came across in optimistic frame of mind as he walked into the legal venue on Wednesday, speaking with his lawyers and sharing humor. He was accompanied by his partner, Patrice Failor and offspring Maureen Comey, a government attorney who the Trump administration dismissed.

Upon hearing to the magistrate recite his legal protections and the two counts against him in court on Wednesday, James Comey was questioned if he understood the accusations.

"Yes your honour. Thank you very much," he informed the proceedings.

Previous Events

Mr Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013 to 2017 and was fired about several months into Donald Trump's first term as president. At the moment, the director was leading an probe into foreign election meddling and whether there were any links between Moscow and the presidential campaign.

Throughout his leadership, James Comey sparked a backlash from Democrats when he declared just immediately preceding the 2016 presidential election that he was investigating political contender Clinton's use of a personal email system. Indictments against Clinton were not pursued, causing disapproval from Republicans as well.

Present Charges

The federal government claim the former director lied to Congress during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in September 2020 when he was being interrogated about both the email probe as well as the Russia election probe. They allege he provided false information to the Senate by claiming he had not approved an individual at the agency to disclose to media organizations information about the agency probes.

Legal representatives also accuse James Comey of "wrongfully trying to sway, hinder and slow" the panel by giving misleading testimony to it.

Personal Comments

In a video James Comey published to his Instagram after he was accused, he declared he was not guilty and accused the former president of behaving like a "tyrant".

"We have understood for years that there are ramifications to standing up to the former president," he said. "We refuse to live on our bended knee."
"I have done nothing wrong," he added. "Thus initiate a court case."

The charges against James Comey emerged after Donald Trump published on social media calling for his attorney general, the attorney general, charge James Comey and others.

Connected Matters

  • Former Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James Comey charged on pair of allegations
  • What charges is previous chief James Comey face?
Amy Carr
Amy Carr

A passionate urban explorer and writer, sharing experiences and tips on city living and cultural discoveries.