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Former FBI Director James Comey has been indicted by a grand jury on charges of making false statements and obstruction of justice. The indictment follows a criminal investigation into Comey's testimony before Congress on September 30, 2020, regarding the FBI's handling of the Trump-Russia probe, known as "Crossfire Hurricane."
The investigation focused on whether Comey lied to Congress about his conduct during the probe. The Department of Justice (DOJ) faced a tight deadline due to the five-year statute of limitations for perjury charges, which was set to expire soon.
Despite a detailed memo from career prosecutors advising against pursuing charges,newly appointed U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan pushed for the indictment. ABC News reported that Halligan, a former defense lawyer for President Donald Trump, was installed in her position with a clear mandate to secure charges against Comey.
The indictment marks a significant development in the ongoing legal battles involving figures from the Trump administration. Comey has consistently maintained his innocence, asserting that he was truthful under oath. The case has drawn significant attention due to its high-profile nature and the political tensions surrounding it.