Former FBI Director Faces Trial in Virginia
Former FBI Director James Comey has pleaded not guilty to federal charges of making false statements and obstructing a congressional proceeding. The plea was entered on Wednesday in federal court in Alexandria, Virginia, through his attorney, Pat Fitzgerald.
During the arraignment, the judge scheduled the trial for January 5, 2026, and ordered Comey’s release without conditions. Fitzgerald stated it was “the honor of his life” to represent Comey in the case, which was attended by the former director’s family.
Charges Linked to 2020 Senate Testimony
The indictment stems from Comey’s testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee in September 2020. The Justice Department issued the charges last month, shortly after former President Donald Trump publicly called for a faster pace in the investigation against Comey.
At the time, Erik Siebert, the top federal prosecutor in Northern Virginia, expressed doubts about the strength of the evidence. He was later replaced by Lindsey Halligan, a former White House aide and personal attorney to Trump, who secured the grand jury indictment and enlisted prosecutors from North Carolina to assist with the case.
Defense Motions and Next Legal Steps
Comey’s legal team plans to file motions to dismiss the case, alleging vindictive or selective prosecution and questioning the legality of Halligan’s appointment. The defense may also raise claims of prosecutorial misconduct and issues with the grand jury process.
Comey, who led the FBI from 2013 to 2017, remains a polarizing figure in U.S. politics due to his role in the 2016 election investigations. His upcoming trial is expected to draw significant public attention as it unfolds in 2026.
