Washington, April 29 (ANI): Former FBI Director James Comey has been indicted by a federal grand jury on two felony counts related to alleged threats against the President of the United States, Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche announced Tuesday.
The indictment, returned in the Eastern District of North Carolina, stems from an alleged incident on May 15, 2025. Prosecutors allege that Comey knowingly made a threat to take the life of and inflict bodily harm on President Donald Trump and transmitted a communication containing a threat via interstate commerce.
“Today, a grand jury sitting in the Eastern District of North Carolina returned an indictment against James Comey on two counts,” Blanche said during a press briefing. “Threatening the life of the U.S. president will never be tolerated by the Department of Justice.”
Each count carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years, exposing Comey to a potential total of 20 years if convicted.
According to CNN, the charges are linked to a photograph allegedly posted by Comey showing seashells arranged to form the numbers “86 47,” which authorities interpreted as a coded threat against the 47th U.S. president.
Court documents indicate the grand jury approved the charges in North Carolina, where the image was reportedly taken.
Comey responded to the indictment in a video statement, maintaining his innocence.
“I’m still innocent. I’m still not afraid,” he said. “And I still believe in the independent federal judiciary, so let’s go.”
The case follows earlier actions by federal authorities, including an investigation by the U.S. Secret Service after concerns were raised about the image. Comey was previously questioned by agents in Washington in connection with the matter.
Officials have issued an arrest warrant, though it remains unclear whether Comey will be taken into custody or allowed to surrender voluntarily. He is expected to appear before a federal magistrate judge for an initial hearing.
Blanche said the Department of Justice would pursue the case regardless of Comey’s former position.
“While this case is unique and stands out because of the name of the defendant, his alleged conduct is the same kind of conduct that we will never tolerate and that we will always investigate,” he said.
If convicted on both counts, Comey, 65, could face up to 20 years in federal prison. (ANI)
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