Ex- FBI Head James Comey Enters Not Guilty Plea to Allegations of Misleading Congress

James Comey court appearance
The former director has stated his clean record regarding the allegations

Former Federal Bureau of Investigation head James Comey has entered an innocent plea to making false statements to lawmakers and hindering a congressional proceeding.

His attorney submitted the response representing him in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.

Patrick Fitzgerald announced he would seek to have the proceedings dismissed for several causes including that his client, a critic of former President Trump, was being singled out.

James Comey was indicted shortly after the former president pushed his top legal official to move forward against him.

Judicial Process

In court on Wednesday, his attorney Patrick Fitzgerald informed the magistrate they aimed to file multiple petitions to dismiss the proceedings before a court case, claiming the prosecution was spiteful and that a US attorney was unlawfully appointed to take over the legal matter.

Mr Comey's proceedings was initially overseen by the original attorney, who resigned under scrutiny from Trump after his probe into another political adversary - the New York official - was unable to bring criminal charges.

Judicial Environment

James Comey seemed in optimistic frame of mind as he came into the legal venue on Wednesday, speaking with his lawyers and making jokes. He was joined by his spouse, Mrs Failor and child Maureen Comey, a US lawyer who the Trump administration recently fired.

After listening to the magistrate recite his legal protections and the dual charges against him in legal proceedings on mid-week, James Comey was questioned if he understood the allegations.

"Absolutely your honour. Appreciate it," he told the judge.

Background Context

James Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from four years and was fired about a few months into the former president's first term as national leader. At the period, the director was overseeing an investigation into international campaign influence and whether there were any links between the Russian government and the election effort.

While in office, Mr Comey caused a backlash from liberal politicians when he stated just immediately preceding the national vote that he was probing presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's use of a personal email system. Indictments against the candidate were not filed, causing disapproval from the Republican party as well.

Ongoing Accusations

The federal government assert the former director gave untrue statements to Congress during a congressional hearing in recent years when he was being interrogated about both the Clinton investigation as well as the Russia election probe. They allege he misled the legislative body by stating he had not permitted a person at the agency to disclose to journalistic entities data about the agency probes.

Legal representatives also charge Mr Comey of "improperly attempting to influence, obstruct and slow" the panel by making false statements to it.

Personal Comments

In a video James Comey posted to his online platform after he was accused, he stated he was innocent and charged Trump of behaving like a "autocrat".

"My family and I have understood for a long time that there are ramifications to opposing Mr Trump," he said. "We will not live on our kneeling."
"I am not guilty," he stated further. "So let's have a trial."

The accusations against Mr Comey surfaced after the former president published on social media demanding his top legal official, the attorney general, charge James Comey and others.

Related Developments

  • Former FBI chief James Comey charged on pair of allegations
  • Which charges does ex-FBI director James Comey encounter?
Nicole Bell
Nicole Bell

A passionate food writer and chef with over a decade of experience in Canadian culinary arts, sharing recipes and stories from coast to coast.