Overview

• The Justice Department announced two counts against James Comey—making a false statement and obstructing a congressional investigation—linked to his Sept. 30, 2020 testimony about the Russia probe.
• If convicted, Comey faces up to five years in prison, according to U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan, who brought the case after taking office this week.
• Halligan replaced Erik Siebert, who exited under pressure after reportedly declining to pursue cases against Trump critics, with prosecutors noting a looming five‑year statute‑of‑limitations deadline.
• Comey responded in a video saying he is innocent and “not afraid,” expressing confidence in the federal court system.
• Trump hailed the indictment on Truth Social, Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel issued supportive statements, and critics said the move exemplifies politicization, with court filings indicating the alleged lie concerned authorization of an FBI source and NBC reporting the related inquiry involved Trump.