Former FBI Director James Comey has been indicted on charges of making false statements and obstruction of justice, a development that marks a major escalation in a long-running political and legal battle.

The indictment follows calls from President Donald Trump earlier this month for the Justice Department to take action against Comey and other political opponents.

The charges stem from Comey’s testimony before Congress on September 30, 2020, when he defended his handling of the FBI’s investigation into alleged ties between the Trump campaign and Russia.

MORE NEWS: ‘Beginning of a Large Accountability Roundup,’ More Indictments Coming: John Solomon [WATCH]

According to prosecutors, Comey made false statements to lawmakers regarding his management of that investigation.

While the case has drawn scrutiny for years, internal disagreements within the Justice Department raised doubts about pursuing charges.

Some prosecutors questioned whether the available evidence was strong enough to secure a conviction and raised ethical concerns about the perception of political motivations behind the case.

Attorney General Pam Bondi addressed the indictment in a statement released on X.

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

Do you think Jimmy Kimmel's apology about his comments about Charlie Kirk was sincere?

By completing the poll, you agree to receive emails from LifeZette, occasional offers from our partners and that you've read and agree to our privacy policy and legal statement.

“No one is above the law. Today’s indictment reflects this Department of Justice’s commitment to holding those who abuse positions of power accountable for misleading the American people,” Bondi said.

“We will follow the facts in this case.”

MORE NEWS: Fox News Analyst Laughs At James Comey’s Indictment Response Video [WATCH]

Reporters pressed President Trump on the possibility of charges earlier in the day before the indictment was announced.

“Well, I can’t tell you what’s gonna happen because I don’t know yet,” Trump said.

“Very professional people, uh, headed up by the attorney general and Todd… Todd Blanche, and, uh, Lindsey Halligan who’s a very smart, good lawyer, very good lawyer. Uh, they’re gonna make a determination. I’m not making that determin—I think I’d be allowed to get involved if I wanted … but I don’t really choose to do so. I can only say that, uh, Comey’s a bad person, he’s a sick person. I think he’s a sick guy actually. He did terrible things at the FBI and, uh, but I, I don’t know. I have no idea what’s gonna happen.”

Close

Following the announcement, President Trump issued a statement on Truth Social. “JUSTICE IN AMERICA! One of the worst human beings this Country has ever been exposed to is James Comey, the former Corrupt Head of the FBI,” Trump wrote.

“Today he was indicted by a Grand Jury on two felony counts for various illegal and unlawful acts. He has been so bad for our Country, for so long, and is now at the beginning of being held responsible for his crimes against our Nation. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”

MORE NEWS: James Comey’s Son-in-Law Suddenly Resigns as Federal Prosecutor Following Indictment [WATCH]

Current FBI Director Kash Patel also addressed the indictment in a statement posted on X.

“Today, your FBI took another step in its promise of full accountability. For far too long, previous corrupt leadership and their enablers weaponized federal law enforcement, damaging once proud institutions and severely eroding public trust. Every day, we continue the fight to earn that trust back, and under my leadership, this FBI will confront the problem head-on,” Patel said.

“Nowhere was this politicization of law enforcement more blatant than during the Russiagate hoax, a disgraceful chapter in history we continue to investigate and expose.”

Patel added, “Everyone, especially those in positions of power, will be held to account – no matter their perch. No one is above the law.”

The indictment represents one of the most significant legal actions taken against a former FBI director in U.S. history.

MORE NEWS: Actress Dakota Johnson Goes Braless, Stuns In Transparent Gucci Gown At Zurich Festival [WATCH]

Prosecutors have not yet confirmed when Comey is expected to appear in court to face the charges.

The case will be closely watched as it moves forward, given both the political sensitivity and the questions that remain about the evidence behind the charges.