Overview

• The former FBI director was charged with one count of making a false statement and one count of obstructing a congressional proceeding related to his September 2020 Senate testimony.
• Erik Siebert exited as Eastern District of Virginia U.S. attorney and Lindsey Halligan, a Trump ally with no prior prosecutorial experience, was installed and personally presented the case to a grand jury.
• Senior Justice Department officials and EDVA career prosecutors reportedly warned the evidence was weak, as the indictment followed public pressure from the president on Attorney General Pam Bondi.
• President Trump publicly celebrated the indictment, thanked specific participants including Halligan, and suggested others could face charges, drawing accusations that his statements bolster claims of a vindictive prosecution.
• Comey denies wrongdoing and is set for an Oct. 9 arraignment in Alexandria before U.S. District Judge Michael Nachmanoff, with legal analysts expecting early defense motions alleging selective or vindictive prosecution.