Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation Chief James Comey Enters Not Guilty Plea to Charges of Lying Congress
Former Federal Bureau of Investigation head James the ex-FBI chief has pleaded not guilty to giving untrue testimony to congressional representatives and obstructing a lawmaking procedure.
Mr Comey's lawyer filed the response acting as his counsel in a national courtroom in the Virginia city of Alexandria on Wednesday morning.
Patrick Fitzgerald declared he would seek to have the proceedings thrown out for various factors including that his defendant, a critic of President Donald Trump, was being targeted.
The former director was charged shortly after Donald Trump pushed his chief prosecutor to move forward against him.
Court Developments
In court on mid-week, Comey's lawyer Mr Fitzgerald informed the court they planned to file several motions to terminate the proceedings before a legal hearing, arguing the government's case was vindictive and that a government lawyer was unlawfully designated to assume control of the case.
James Comey's proceedings was originally overseen by the original attorney, who resigned under pressure from the former president after his examination into another opponent - NY AG Letitia James - was unable to bring criminal charges.
Judicial Environment
Mr Comey appeared in optimistic frame of mind as he entered the court on Wednesday, conversing with his attorneys and sharing humor. He was supported by his spouse, Patrice Failor and daughter Maureen Comey, a federal prosecutor who the Trump administration dismissed.
Upon hearing to the magistrate state his rights and the two counts against him in court on mid-week, the defendant was questioned if he grasped the allegations.
"I do your honour. Thank you," he informed the judge.
Previous Events
The former director was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from four years and was terminated about a few months into the former president's initial presidency as national leader. At the period, Mr Comey was overseeing an investigation into international campaign influence and whether there were any connections between Russia and the presidential campaign.
During his tenure, the director caused a backlash from Democrats when he announced just shortly prior to the 2016 election that he was probing Democratic candidate the candidate's use of a private email server. Indictments against the candidate were never brought, causing criticism from the Republican party as well.
Ongoing Accusations
The federal government claim Mr Comey gave untrue statements to Congress during a legislative proceeding in 2020 when he was being interrogated about both the previous examination as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They allege he misled the legislative body by claiming he had not approved an individual at the agency to disclose to news outlets details about the FBI investigations.
Legal representatives also allege James Comey of "wrongfully trying to influence, obstruct and slow" the legislative group by giving misleading testimony to it.
Personal Comments
In a video James Comey posted to his social media after he was indicted, he said he was wrongly accused and alleged Trump of conducting himself like a "tyrant".
"We have been aware for considerable time that there are ramifications to challenging Mr Trump," he stated. "We choose not to live on our kneeling."
"I have done nothing wrong," he continued. "Thus initiate a legal proceeding."
The charges against the former director emerged after Donald Trump posted on digital channels calling for his top legal official, the attorney general, prosecute James Comey and additional individuals.
Related Developments
- Former Federal Bureau of Investigation head James Comey accused on dual counts
- The nature of charges does former director James Comey face?