James Comey Responds to Indictment: 'Let's Have a Trial'

Former FBI Director James B. Comey Jr. indicted today, September 25, on charges of lying to Congress and obstructing a Senate inquiry, wasted no time in responding. In a video posted on social media soon after the indictment was filed in the Eastern District of Virginia, he framed the case as both a personal test and a national moment.

"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," Comey said. "We will not live on our knees, and you shouldn't either."

The indictment accuses Comey of giving false testimony during a 2020 Senate Judiciary Committee hearing and of obstructing the inquiry by misleading senators. He now becomes the first FBI director ever charged with crimes related to testimony before Congress.

Comey's video leaned less on legal arguments and more on principle. He quoted a loved one who told him, "Fear is the tool of a tyrant," and then 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 on it. And it does."

In another striking line, he said, "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."

Beyond the Courtroom

By addressing Americans directly, Comey positioned his indictment not only as a legal fight but as part of the ongoing clash between Trump and his critics. Supporters quickly amplified the video online, calling it a rallying cry. Critics countered that Comey is turning his defense into a political campaign.

His arraignment is expected soon in federal court in Alexandria, Virginia, where he will formally enter a plea. Legal experts say early motions to dismiss the case are almost certain, but today's video makes clear that Comey is preparing to fight in two arenas at once: the courtroom and the public square.