Federal prosecutors have taken steps to charge former Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey with leaking national defence information, according to a court filing reported by the BBC. This development marks the third time the justice department has moved to bring criminal charges against Comey, who is a longtime critic of President Donald Trump.
The three-page filing provides few details regarding the two counts against Comey. However, according to separate court papers cited by the BBC, Comey's lawyers stated that the case stems from an alleged disclosure of classified information to the New York Times in October 2016 while he was leading the FBI.
In response to the filing, Comey denied any wrongdoing in a video posted on Substack, describing the charges as an "appalling abuse" of the department of justice. The BBC quoted him saying that he remains innocent and is not afraid of the authorities.
Background
According to BBC reporting, the charges were filed in Washington DC through a criminal information document, which differs from a criminal indictment as it bypasses a grand jury. Comey's lawyer, Patrick Fitzgerald, noted that two separate teams of prosecutors previously investigated the alleged 2016 disclosure during the first Trump administration and determined no charges should be brought. Former federal prosecutor Glenn Kirschner told the BBC that the case may have exceeded the 10-year statute of limitations and characterized the motion as a revenge-fueled attempt by Donald Trump.
Comey was previously fired by Trump during his first term after opening an investigation into claims of Russian meddling in the 2016 US presidential election. Since then, Trump has repeatedly called for his prosecution. In September 2025, a federal grand jury indicted Comey on charges of lying to Congress and obstructing a proceeding, though that case was dismissed in November. In April 2026, Comey surrendered to authorities regarding allegations that a social media image posed a threat to Trump's life.
Why it matters
For international observers and readers in Pakistan following global affairs, the legal proceedings highlight ongoing tensions between prominent political figures and executive leadership within the United States judicial system. The case underscores questions regarding the independence of federal prosecutorial bodies and the statute of limitations in high-profile legal battles.