Former FBI Director James Comey is scheduled to be arraigned in federal court in Alexandria, Virginia, on October 9, according to official court records. A summons has been issued, requiring him to appear at 10 a.m. that day. Although some officials initially expected him to surrender earlier, the court has not issued an arrest warrant, indicating no immediate custody is required.

President Donald Trump reacted swiftly to the indictment, celebrating it on his Truth Social platform. Calling Comey a “dirty cop,” Trump accused him of lying and insisted the case involves a simple but critical falsehood. “There is no way he can explain his way out of it,” Trump posted, continuing his long-standing public criticism of Comey.

In response, Comey issued a statement via Instagram asserting his innocence. Speaking in a video, he framed the charges as a political retaliation for standing up to Trump. He emphasized personal conviction, stating, “We will not live on our knees,” and referenced a loved one who told him, “fear is the tool of a tyrant.” Comey said he is not afraid to face the legal process.

Comey expressed sorrow for the Department of Justice, suggesting the indictment reflects a broader institutional damage. However, he maintained faith in the judicial system, saying, “I’m innocent. So let’s have a trial and keep the faith.” His statement appeared to rally support while also rejecting the legitimacy of the charges.

The charges stem from an investigation into whether Comey lied to Congress during a 2020 hearing regarding the FBI’s handling of the Trump–Russia probe, codenamed “Crossfire Hurricane.” A federal grand jury returned the indictment after reviewing his September 30, 2020, testimony.

The legal battle is expected to attract national attention, especially given the political history between Trump and Comey, who played a pivotal role in multiple high-profile investigations.