Overview

• Former FBI Director James Comey was charged by a federal grand jury with making a false statement and obstructing a congressional proceeding after jurors rejected a third count, with only 14 of 23 voting to indict.
• Lindsey Halligan, a recent Trump appointee and former defense lawyer with limited federal trial experience, presented the case to the grand jury alone and was the sole signatory on the two‑page indictment after DOJ headquarters offered little staffing support.
• Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche had privately expressed qualms about the case and Halligan’s selection before later voicing public support, as a brief court hearing also noted confusion over duplicate charging documents bearing Halligan’s signature.
• Forty‑two retired judges warned in an open letter that the prosecution threatens free speech and the rule of law, while the White House defended the process and said the grand jury’s decision speaks for itself.
• Legal commentators from across the spectrum say prosecutors face steep hurdles to conviction and foresee defense motions citing selective or vindictive prosecution, as Democrats push Republicans on potential guardrail legislation and many GOP lawmakers back or sidestep criticism of the charges.