Former FBI Director Comey pleads not guilty to two-count indictment

Former FBI Director James Comey pleaded not guilty Wednesday in federal court in Alexandria, Virginia, to a two-count indictment accusing him of making false statements and obstructing a 2020 congressional proceeding. Comey was booked and fingerprinted at the courthouse before U.S. District Judge Michael Nachmanoff formally read the charges and accepted his plea. The arraignment marked the first time a former FBI director has faced federal criminal charges.

The indictment, returned by a grand jury on September 25, alleges that Comey falsely told the Senate Judiciary Committee on September 30, 2020, that he had not authorized an associate to serve as an anonymous source for news media and that he obstructed a subsequent congressional proceeding. The document does not identify the associate or describe what information, if any, was shared with the media. When Judge Nachmanoff asked whether he understood the charges, Comey replied, "I do, your honor." After the indictment was filed, Comey said in a video statement, "I have great confidence in the federal judicial system and I'm innocent. So let's have a trial. And keep the faith."

Prosecutors, led by U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan,...