(NewsNation) — Former FBI Director James Comey could face multiple years in prison if he’s convicted on two charges of making a false statement and obstruction, according to a DOJ press release.
What was James Comey indicted for?
Comey was indicted by a federal grand jury Thursday. The charges stem from comments he made to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee in testimony on Sept. 30, 2020, during which he is accused of lying.
The indictment alleges Comey knowingly made a false statement to a senator when he testified that he had not “authorized someone else at the FBI to be an anonymous source in news reports” regarding an FBI investigation.
If convicted, Comey could face up to five years in prison. The DOJ release notes that “sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.”
“The charges as alleged in this case represent a breach of the public trust at an extraordinary level,” said U.S. Attorney Lindsay Halligan.
Trump elated by James Comey indictment
President Donald Trump celebrated Comey’s indictment on Truth Social, calling the former FBI director “one of the worst human beings this Country has ever been exposed to.”
Trump’s Attorney General Pam Bondi wrote, “No one is above the law. Today’s indictment reflects this Department of Justice’s commitment to holding those who abuse positions of power accountable for misleading the American people. We will follow the facts in this case.”
‘Let’s have a trial’: Comey
Comey reacted to the indictment in an Instagram video, saying: “My family and I have known for years that there are costs to standing up to Donald Trump, but we couldn’t imagine ourselves living any other way. We will not live on our knees, and you shouldn’t either.”
“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 and keep the faith,” he concluded.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.