Ex- FBI Head James Comey Enters Denial Plea to Allegations of Misleading Congress
Previous FBI director James Comey has pleaded not guilty to making false statements to US legislators and obstructing a legislative process.
The former director's legal representative submitted the plea acting as his counsel in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday morning.
Patrick Fitzgerald declared he would try to have the proceedings dismissed for multiple causes including that his defendant, a detractor of Donald Trump, was being singled out.
James Comey was charged just days after the former president urged his chief prosecutor to take action against him.
Judicial Process
At the proceedings on mid-week, his attorney the legal representative told the magistrate they intended to submit several motions to dismiss the proceedings before a court case, stating the government's case was vindictive and that a federal prosecutor was wrongfully appointed to assume control of the case.
Mr Comey's legal matter was first overseen by the original attorney, who resigned under scrutiny from Donald Trump after his examination into an additional rival - New York Attorney General Letitia James - failed to bring criminal charges.
Courtroom Atmosphere
James Comey seemed in optimistic frame of mind as he walked into the legal venue on Wednesday, speaking with his attorneys and being lighthearted. He was joined by his wife, his wife and daughter Maureen Comey, a government attorney who the previous administration recently fired.
After listening to the court state his rights and the pair of allegations against him in the courtroom on mid-week, the defendant was questioned if he grasped the charges.
"Absolutely your honour. Thank you very much," he stated to the proceedings.
Background Context
Mr Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013 to 2017 and was dismissed about several months into the former president's first administration as national leader. At the time, Mr Comey was leading an examination into foreign election meddling and whether there were any links between the Russian government and Trump's campaign.
During his tenure, the director triggered a counter-response from liberal politicians when he announced just days before the 2016 presidential election that he was investigating presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's use of a personal email system. Indictments against the candidate were not filed, resulting in disapproval from conservative politicians as well.
Ongoing Accusations
Prosecutors assert Mr Comey lied to US lawmakers during a congressional hearing in September 2020 when he was being interrogated about both the email probe as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They allege he misled the Senate by stating he had not authorized someone at the FBI to disclose to media organizations details about the agency probes.
Government lawyers also charge James Comey of "wrongfully trying to affect, block and delay" the panel by providing untrue information to it.
Personal Comments
Via social media Mr Comey shared to his social media after he was charged, he stated he was not guilty and charged the former president of conducting himself like a "tyrant".
"My family and I have known for a long time that there are ramifications to standing up to Donald Trump," he commented. "We choose not to live on our kneeling."
"I am not guilty," he added. "Thus initiate a court case."
These allegations against the former director emerged after the former president published on online platforms insisting on his attorney general, Pam Bondi, charge James Comey and other people.
Related Developments
- Former Federal Bureau of Investigation head James Comey accused on two charges
- What charges is previous chief James Comey encounter?