Previous FBI Head James Comey Files Not Guilty Plea to Charges of Misleading Congress

James Comey court appearance
He has stated his clean record about the charges

Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation director James the ex-FBI chief has pleaded not guilty to providing misleading information to congressional representatives and hindering a lawmaking procedure.

His legal representative entered the plea representing him in a national courtroom in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.

His attorney declared he would seek to have the case thrown out for various reasons including that his defendant, a detractor of former President Trump, was being targeted.

James Comey was indicted shortly after the former president urged his top legal official to move forward against him.

Legal Proceedings

In court on Wednesday, Comey's lawyer Mr Fitzgerald told the judge they intended to submit several legal requests to terminate the case before a court case, claiming the prosecution was spiteful and that a US attorney was wrongfully designated to handle the proceedings.

The former director's proceedings was initially handled by the original attorney, who stepped down under scrutiny from the former president after his investigation into a different opponent - New York Attorney General Letitia James - was unable to initiate prosecution.

Legal Setting

The former director appeared in good spirits as he walked into the legal venue on mid-week, chatting with his lawyers and making jokes. He was accompanied by his spouse, his wife and offspring Maureen Comey, a federal prosecutor who the former government dismissed.

After listening to the judge read his constitutional guarantees and the dual charges against him in legal proceedings on mid-week, James Comey was questioned if he understood the accusations.

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

Historical Information

Mr Comey was the head of the FBI from 2013-2017 and was fired about a few months into Donald Trump's first term as national leader. At the time, he was overseeing an probe into Russian election interference and whether there were any connections between Russia and Trump's campaign.

While in office, James Comey triggered a backlash from the Democratic party when he stated just days before the 2016 election that he was probing Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server. Indictments against the candidate were not filed, leading to disapproval from Republicans as well.

Current Allegations

Government attorneys assert Mr Comey gave untrue statements to Congress during a legislative proceeding in recent years when he was being examined about both the email probe as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They claim he provided false information to the upper house by claiming he had not authorized an individual at the agency to release to news outlets details about the FBI investigations.

Government lawyers also accuse Mr Comey of "corruptly endeavoring to influence, obstruct and impede" the legislative group by making false statements to it.

Personal Comments

In a video James Comey published to his online platform after he was charged, he said he was not guilty and charged the former president of acting like a "autocrat".

"We have been aware for a long time that there are consequences to standing up to Donald Trump," he said. "We refuse to live on our bended knee."
"I'm innocent," he stated further. "So let's have a legal proceeding."

These allegations against Mr Comey came after the former president posted on social media insisting on his attorney general, the attorney general, charge Mr Comey and additional individuals.

Associated Events

  • Former Federal Bureau of Investigation director James Comey indicted on pair of allegations
  • Which accusations is former director James Comey face?
Joshua Sanders
Joshua Sanders

A seasoned journalist with a passion for uncovering stories that shape society, based in London.