FBI Director Comey Indicted Again by US Justice Department

Former FBI Director James Comey Indicted by US Department of Justice

A federal indictment was issued against James Comey, the former director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), on Tuesday. The indictment relates to a social media post made nearly a year ago that officials have deemed constituted a threat to President Donald Trump.

The indictment charges Comey with two counts: knowingly and willfully making a threat to take the life of or inflict bodily harm upon Trump, as well as transmitting a threat in interstate commerce. According to the indictment, a reasonable recipient familiar with the circumstances would interpret the message as a threat to do harm.

Comme previously posted a photo on social media showing seashells arranged in the shape of “86 47”, which some have associated with violence. Comey stated that he did not know this association and took down the post after being informed. Trump has been critical of Comey, who led an FBI investigation into his 2016 presidential campaign.

The indictment marks a second criminal case against Comey, following a Justice Department charge last year for lying to Congress during the Russia investigation. A judge dismissed that indictment in November due to improper appointment of the prosecutor. The same court also dropped bank fraud charges against New York Attorney General Letitia James.

Trump has been involved in several high-profile cases related to his political opponents, including Comey and former CIA Director John Brennan, who is currently under investigation by the Justice Department.

Source: Al Jazeera