Overview
- James Comey entered a not-guilty plea in federal court in Alexandria, Virginia, with the judge scheduling his trial for January 5.
- The indictment accuses Comey of making false statements to the Senate in September 2020 and obstructing a congressional inquiry, charges that could carry up to five years in prison if he is convicted.
- After U.S. attorney Erik Siebert resigned under pressure, Lindsey Halligan, formerly a personal lawyer to Donald Trump, took over the case, and Comey's defense says it will challenge her appointment.
- At a Senate oversight hearing, Democratic senators accused Bondi of politicizing the Justice Department, while she rejected the charge and said the department is refocusing on fighting crime.
- Outside the courthouse, protesters denounced the case as a 'show trial,' and US media reported that a Virginia grand jury separately indicted New York Attorney General Letitia James.