Overview

• U.S. District Judge Michael S. Nachmanoff directed prosecutors to provide all discovery to James Comey’s defense by 5 p.m. on Oct. 13, rejecting the Justice Department’s request for split deadlines.
• The court warned that disagreement over a protective order cannot justify delaying disclosure and said it will promptly set a hearing if no agreement is reached by the deadline.
• Prosecutors seek a protective order labeling materials law enforcement sensitive that would bar Comey from retaining discovery, while allowing access for his lawyers and approved experts.
• Comey’s attorneys opposed those limits, arguing his long tenure handling highly sensitive information shows he can be trusted with full access to prepare his defense.
• Comey has pleaded not guilty to charges of making false statements to Congress and obstructing a congressional proceeding, with motions due Oct. 20 and Oct. 30, hearings set for Nov. 19 and Dec. 9, and trial scheduled for Jan. 5, 2026.