Comey Responds to Historic Indictment With Defiance, Claims He “Will Not Live on His Knees”

Former FBI Director James Comey, now facing federal charges, released a video statement Thursday after being indicted by a grand jury on two felony counts.

“My family and I have known for years that there are costs to standing up to Donald Trump,” Comey said defiantly. “But we couldn’t imagine ourselves living any other way. We will not live on our knees, and you shouldn’t either.

“Somebody that I love dearly recently said that ‘fear is the tool of a tyrant,’ and she’s right,” he added. “But I’m not afraid, and I hope you’re not either. I hope instead you are engaged, you are paying attention, and you will vote like your beloved country depends upon it — which it does.”

Despite the charges, Comey insisted he was innocent and demanded his day in court:

“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.”

Comey’s arraignment is scheduled for October 9.

The Charges Against Comey

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, Comey faces two counts: making false statements and obstruction related to his September 30, 2020 testimony before Congress about the FBI’s “Crossfire Hurricane” investigation — the original Trump-Russia probe.

U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan underscored the severity of the case:

“The charges as alleged in this case represent a breach of the public trust at an extraordinary level. The balance of power is a bedrock principal of our democracy, and it relies upon accountability and a forthright presentation of facts from executive leadership to congressional oversight.”

She added:

“Any intent to avoid, evade, prevent, or obstruct compliance is a violation of professional responsibility and, most importantly, the law.”

If convicted, Comey could face up to five years in federal prison. The charges were filed just before the statute of limitations was set to expire.

Political Context

The indictment follows days after President Donald Trump criticized Attorney General Pam Bondi for what he called weak enforcement against corrupt Democrats.

President Trump specifically named Democratic Sen. Adam Schiff of California, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and James Comey as examples of figures who had evaded accountability.

On Truth Social, the president reiterated his demand for justice, writing:

“JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!!”