Former Federal Bureau of Investigation Head James Comey Enters Denial Plea to Accusations of Misleading Lawmakers
Former Federal Bureau of Investigation head James the ex-FBI chief has entered an innocent plea to providing misleading information to congressional representatives and impeding a legislative process.
The former director's attorney filed the response representing him in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday morning.
Patrick Fitzgerald announced he would attempt to have the proceedings dismissed for multiple factors including that his defendant, a opponent of former President Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.
The former director was charged just days after the former president pushed his top legal official to take action against him.
Judicial Process
At the proceedings on Wednesday, the defense counsel Patrick Fitzgerald informed the magistrate they intended to file several petitions to dismiss the legal matter before a court case, arguing the government's case was spiteful and that a government lawyer was unlawfully appointed to assume control of the proceedings.
The former director's proceedings was originally managed by a Virginia prosecutor, who left his position under pressure from Trump after his probe into an additional opponent - the New York official - was unable to bring criminal charges.
Courtroom Atmosphere
The former director appeared in positive mood as he walked into the court on mid-week, speaking with his lawyers and making jokes. He was supported by his partner, his wife and child his daughter, a US lawyer who the previous administration terminated.
Upon hearing to the judge state his constitutional guarantees and the dual charges against him in the courtroom on Wednesday, James Comey was asked if he grasped the charges.
"Absolutely your honour. Appreciate it," he informed the proceedings.
Previous Events
James Comey was the head of the FBI from 2013-2017 and was dismissed about four months into the former president's initial presidency as national leader. At the period, Mr Comey was overseeing an examination into Russian election interference and whether there were any relationships between Moscow and Trump's campaign.
While in office, James Comey triggered a negative reaction from liberal politicians when he announced just immediately preceding the 2016 presidential election that he was investigating Democratic candidate the candidate's use of a private email server. Charges against Clinton were never brought, causing negative feedback from the Republican party as well.
Current Allegations
The federal government claim the former director gave untrue statements to US lawmakers during a legislative proceeding in recent years when he was being examined about both the previous examination as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They say he misled the Senate by stating he had not authorized an individual at the FBI to disclose to news outlets details about the FBI investigations.
Legal representatives also charge James Comey of "wrongfully trying to sway, obstruct and slow" the panel by providing untrue information to it.
Personal Comments
Through a recording the former director posted to his online platform after he was accused, he declared he was innocent and alleged the former president of behaving like a "tyrant".
"We have been aware for years that there are consequences to challenging the former president," he commented. "We choose not to live on our kneeling."
"I am not guilty," he stated further. "Therefore proceed with a legal proceeding."
The charges against Mr Comey emerged after Donald Trump posted on digital channels insisting on his top legal official, the attorney general, prosecute the former director and other people.
Connected Matters
- Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation head James Comey indicted on two charges
- The nature of allegations is former director James Comey encounter?