January 1, Comey Indictment Process Questioned in Court

Wyatt’s Take

• The DOJ admitted the full grand jury never saw the final indictment against Comey.
• Comey’s team says the charges are politically motivated and unconstitutional.
• The judge wants the DOJ to clarify why a proper grand jury process wasn’t followed.

The Justice Department admits the full grand jury never reviewed the final charges against James Comey, former head of the FBI. Prosecutors only showed an altered version of the indictment to the grand jury foreperson and one other juror, not the entire panel.

Comey, who faces charges of obstruction of justice and making a false statement to Congress, says he is the target of a “selective and vindictive” prosecution. His lawyers argue the case is retaliation for his firing and public criticism of President Trump.

“The Constitution forbids the government from prosecuting an individual based on his protected speech or based on a government official’s animus toward the individual,” Comey’s attorneys wrote in court.

DOJ prosecutors claim President Trump did not direct the indictment and argue the process was proper. Judge Nachmanoff is demanding a full explanation from prosecutors about why the changes to the charges were not submitted to the entire grand jury.

Comey has pleaded not guilty and wants the case dismissed with prejudice so it cannot be refiled. His team is asking for all court transcripts to understand how the indictment was handled.

Read more about the court hearing and DOJ admission

Wyatt Matters

Accountability is the backbone of our system, and Middle Americans know things ought to be fair for everyone, no matter who’s on trial or who’s in charge.