Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation Chief James Comey Files Denial Plea to Accusations of Falsehoods Lawmakers
Ex- FBI head James the ex-FBI chief has pleaded not guilty to making false statements to lawmakers and impeding a legislative process.
His attorney entered the answer acting as his counsel in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.
Patrick Fitzgerald stated he would seek to have the proceedings terminated for multiple causes including that his the accused, a opponent of former President Trump, was being singled out.
The former director was formally accused shortly after the former president pressured his attorney general to take action against him.
Court Developments
During the hearing on mid-week, his attorney Patrick Fitzgerald advised the court they planned to present several motions to terminate the case before a court case, claiming the government's case was vindictive and that a US attorney was wrongfully appointed to take over the case.
James Comey's legal matter was originally managed by the original attorney, who stepped down under pressure from Trump after his examination into another political adversary - NY AG Letitia James - failed to bring criminal charges.
Legal Setting
James Comey seemed in good spirits as he walked into the legal venue on Wednesday, chatting with his attorneys and sharing humor. He was accompanied by his spouse, Patrice Failor and offspring his daughter, a government attorney who the former government recently fired.
After listening to the judge recite his constitutional guarantees and the dual charges against him in the courtroom on mid-week, the defendant was inquired if he comprehended the accusations.
"Yes your honour. Thank you," he stated to the court.
Historical Information
The former director was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013-2017 and was fired about a few months into Trump's first term as national leader. At the time, he was leading an investigation into Russian election interference and whether there were any relationships between Moscow and the presidential campaign.
While in office, James Comey caused a negative reaction from the Democratic party when he stated just immediately preceding the 2016 election that he was probing political contender Clinton's use of a private email server. Legal actions against Hillary Clinton were never brought, resulting in disapproval from the Republican party as well.
Ongoing Accusations
The federal government claim the former director gave untrue statements to Congress during a congressional hearing in September 2020 when he was being examined about both the email probe as well as the election interference investigation. They allege he provided false information to the Senate by claiming he had not permitted someone at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to release to journalistic entities data about the agency probes.
Legal representatives also allege Mr Comey of "corruptly endeavoring to sway, block and impede" the legislative group by giving misleading testimony to it.
Personal Comments
Through a recording James Comey posted to his social media after he was indicted, he said he was innocent and accused Trump of behaving like a "dictator".
"Our household have known for years that there are consequences to standing up to Donald Trump," he stated. "We will not live on our knees."
"I'm innocent," he continued. "Thus initiate a court case."
The accusations against the former director emerged after the former president shared on online platforms insisting on his chief prosecutor, the attorney general, prosecute James Comey and additional individuals.
Connected Matters
- Previous FBI chief James Comey accused on two charges
- The nature of charges is ex-FBI director James Comey encounter?