WASHINGTON, D.C. — September 25, 2025 — In a historic development, former FBI Director James B. Comey has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Alexandria, Virginia, marking the first time in U.S. history that a former head of the nation’s premier law enforcement agency faces criminal charges.
The indictment, returned Thursday in the Eastern District of Virginia, charges Comey with making false statements to Congress and obstructing a congressional proceeding. Both charges stem from his 2020 testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, where prosecutors allege he misled lawmakers about FBI officials serving as anonymous sources for media leaks.
The Charges
According to court filings, Comey is accused of violating 18 U.S. Code § 1001 (false statements) and 18 U.S. Code § 1505 (obstruction of a congressional inquiry). Prosecutors initially sought a third count, also related to false statements, but the grand jury rejected it.
If convicted, Comey faces up to five years in federal prison, though legal experts caution that sentencing guidelines often result in significantly shorter terms.
Court Proceedings Ahead
Comey is scheduled to appear before Judge Michael S. Nachmanoff on October 9, 2025, for arraignment. Judge Nachmanoff, a Biden-era appointee with a background in public defense and sentencing reform, will preside over the case.
The indictment was signed by U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan, who assumed leadership of the Eastern District of Virginia after her predecessor, Erik Siebert, resigned earlier this year. Reports suggest Siebert had expressed doubts about the strength of the evidence, raising questions about whether political pressure influenced the case.
Statements and Reactions
The Justice Department emphasized in its statement that the indictment reflects its commitment to accountability. Attorney General Pamela Bondi declared: “No one is above the law.”
The FBI Director, Kash Patel, echoed that sentiment, stating that the charges demonstrate the bureau’s resolve to uphold integrity, even at the highest levels.
Comey, however, struck a defiant tone. In a video message released shortly after the indictment, he denied all wrongdoing, dismissed the charges as “politically motivated”, and vowed to fight them in court.
Political Storm
The case has already ignited a political firestorm. Critics argue the indictment is the culmination of long-standing efforts by President Trump and his allies to punish one of his most outspoken critics. Comey was fired by Trump in 2017 and has since become a vocal opponent of the former president, accusing him of politicizing the Justice Department.
Civil liberties groups and several Democratic lawmakers have called the prosecution a “dangerous precedent”, suggesting it undermines judicial independence. Supporters of the indictment, however, say it is about truth and accountability in testimony before Congress.
Family Fallout
The repercussions have also shaken Comey’s family. His son-in-law, Troy Edwards, resigned from his role as a federal prosecutor in the same district hours after the indictment was unsealed, saying he wanted to “uphold my oath to the Constitution.”
Earlier this year, Comey’s daughter, Maurene Comey, was dismissed from her position at another U.S. Attorney’s Office. She has since filed a lawsuit alleging that her removal was politically motivated.
Historical Context
Comey’s indictment comes just days before the statute of limitations would have expired on his 2020 testimony. The former FBI chief was a central figure in some of the most politically charged investigations of the past decade, including the probe into Hillary Clinton’s private email server and the early stages of the Russia election interference inquiry.
His firing by President Trump in 2017 sparked a cascade of political controversies, ultimately leading to the appointment of Special Counsel Robert Mueller. Since then, Comey has been a frequent critic of Trump’s handling of democratic institutions.
What’s Next
As Comey prepares for arraignment, legal analysts say the case will test not only the strength of the government’s evidence but also the boundaries of political influence over federal prosecutions.
The trial will also raise questions about whether testimony before Congress can be effectively policed under obstruction statutes and whether the Justice Department can maintain public confidence while prosecuting one of its former leaders.
For now, the nation’s attention turns to Alexandria, where the courtroom of Judge Nachmanoff will soon become the stage for a legal battle with historic stakes.
