Case Intel
- Former FBI Director James Comey faces arraignment October 9 in Virginia federal court.
- An FBI agent alleges he was terminated for refusing to publicly “perp walk” Comey, multiple outlets confirmed.
- If convicted of obstruction and false statements, Comey faces up to five years in prison.
WASHINGTON, DC – A senior FBI agent has been fired for refusing to carry out orders to conduct a formal arrest and fingerprinting of former FBI Director James Comey, according to Reuters and confirmed by MSNBC and CBS News. The unusual move underscores the deep political allies Comey still has both in the Department of Justice and the Bureau.
Comey, who was indicted last week in the Eastern District of Virginia on two federal counts—false statements and obstruction of justice—is scheduled for arraignment on October 9. His case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Michael Nachmanoff, a Biden appointee.
The indictment alleges that Comey provided false testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee on September 30, 2020, in violation of federal law and public trust. Prosecutors argue the alleged acts amount to a direct breach of democratic accountability.
“Any intent to avoid, evade, prevent, or obstruct compliance is a violation of professional responsibility and, most importantly, the law,” said U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan in announcing the indictment. She emphasized that Comey’s alleged conduct represents a “breach of the public trust at an extraordinary level.”
If convicted, Comey could face a maximum penalty of five years. However, federal sentencing guidelines typically result in lesser terms particularly given Comey’s lack of criminal record.
In a video statement posted on Instagram, Comey linked the charges to what he described as political retaliation for standing up to Donald Trump.
“My family and I have known for years that there are costs to standing up to Donald Trump,” he said. “But we couldn’t imagine ourselves living any other way. We will not live on our knees, and you shouldn’t either.”
He added: “My heart is broken for the Department of Justice, but I have great confidence in the federal judicial system and I’m innocent. So, let’s have a trial.”
For Comey, he has no choice in the matter, the law provides that all criminal defendants be afforded a trial. For the Bureau, the FBI agent’s firing will likely lead to future litigation.
