WASHINGTON, DC – Former FBI Director James Comey has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges tied to the disclosure of sensitive information and alleged efforts to mislead investigators, the Justice Department announced Thursday.
According to the indictment, Comey is accused of obstructing a congressional investigation in violation of 18 USC 1505. Prosecutors also allege that he made a false statement under 18 USC 1001 when he denied authorizing an FBI employee to serve as an anonymous source, a statement investigators say was untrue.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi said the charges underscore the department’s commitment to accountability at the highest levels. “No one is above the law,” Bondi said. “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.”
FBI Director Kash Patel also addressed the indictment, framing it as part of a broader effort to rebuild public trust. “Today, your FBI took another step in its promise of full accountability,” Patel said. “For far too long, previous corrupt leadership and their enablers weaponized federal law enforcement, damaging once proud institutions and severely eroding public trust. Every day, we continue the fight to earn that trust back, and under my leadership, this FBI will confront the problem head-on.”
Patel pointed to the FBI’s handling of the Russiagate investigation as an example of what he called politicization under past leadership. “Everyone, especially those in positions of power, will be held to account — no matter their perch. No one is above the law,” he said.
Comey, who served as FBI director from 2013 until his dismissal in 2017, has not yet publicly responded to the charges.
Key Points
- Former FBI Director James Comey indicted on obstruction and false statement charges.
- DOJ alleges he misled Congress and authorized an anonymous source despite denying it.
- Attorney General Pamela Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel said the case reflects accountability at the highest levels.
