Ex-FBI chief James Comey faces federal charges for third time

Federal prosecutors have charged ex-FBI Director James Comey with leaking national defense information, marking the third time he has faced criminal charges, according to a court filing. This is the latest attempt by the Justice Department to prosecute Comey, a vocal critic of President Donald Trump. The filing provides limited details about the two charges, but Comey's legal team asserts that the charges stem from an alleged disclosure of classified information to The New York Times in October 2016, during his tenure as FBI director.

Comey refuted the allegations in a video posted on Substack, calling the charges an "appalling abuse" and maintaining his innocence. His lawyer, Patrick Fitzgerald, stated that two prior investigations had concluded that no charges should be brought against Comey. This case is distinct from previous charges, as it was filed through a criminal information rather than a grand jury indictment.

Comey was previously indicted in September 2025 for lying to Congress and obstructing a congressional proceeding, and was arrested in April 2026 over a social media post deemed threatening to former President Trump. Both cases are currently ongoing.