Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey Files Not Guilty Plea to Charges of Falsehoods Congress
Previous FBI director James the ex-FBI chief has pleaded not guilty to providing misleading information to lawmakers and hindering a legislative process.
His attorney filed the response representing him in a federal court in the Virginia city of Alexandria on Wednesday.
Patrick Fitzgerald declared he would try to have the case terminated for multiple reasons including that his defendant, a detractor of Donald Trump, was being singled out.
The former director was charged soon after Donald Trump pushed his chief prosecutor to take action against him.
Court Developments
At the proceedings on Wednesday, the defense counsel Patrick Fitzgerald advised the magistrate they aimed to present multiple legal requests to dismiss the case before a legal hearing, arguing the legal action was vindictive and that a federal prosecutor was unlawfully assigned to take over the proceedings.
Mr Comey's case was originally managed by a Virginia prosecutor, who left his position under pressure from Trump after his examination into a different opponent - NY AG Letitia James - was unable to initiate prosecution.
Courtroom Atmosphere
Mr Comey seemed in good spirits as he came into the courtroom on Wednesday, chatting with his attorneys and being lighthearted. He was supported by his partner, Mrs Failor and child his daughter, a federal prosecutor who the previous administration terminated.
Upon hearing to the court recite his legal protections and the pair of allegations against him in the courtroom on Wednesday, Mr Comey was asked if he grasped the accusations.
"I do your honour. Thank you," he told the proceedings.
Previous Events
James Comey was the FBI Director from four years and was fired about four months into Trump's initial presidency as commander-in-chief. At the moment, the director was leading an investigation into foreign election meddling and whether there were any connections between Russia and Trump's campaign.
During his tenure, the director caused a counter-response from the Democratic party when he declared just shortly prior to the national vote that he was investigating Democratic candidate Clinton's use of a private email server. Indictments against the candidate were not pursued, resulting in negative feedback from the Republican party as well.
Current Allegations
Government attorneys assert James Comey lied to US lawmakers during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in September 2020 when he was being examined about both the email probe as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They claim he misled the upper house by claiming he had not authorized an individual at the agency to disclose to journalistic entities data about the FBI investigations.
Government lawyers also charge James Comey of "wrongfully trying to sway, obstruct and slow" the committee by making false statements to it.
Personal Comments
Via social media James Comey published to his Instagram after he was accused, he stated he was not guilty and charged the former president of conducting himself like a "dictator".
"We have been aware for considerable time that there are costs to challenging Donald Trump," he commented. "We will not live on our knees."
"I am not guilty," he stated further. "Thus initiate a court case."
The charges against James Comey surfaced after Donald Trump shared on social media calling for his top legal official, Pam Bondi, charge Mr Comey and additional individuals.
Related Developments
- Former Federal Bureau of Investigation director James Comey accused on pair of allegations
- What charges does ex-FBI director James Comey confront?