Former FBI Director James Comey issued a defiant statement Thursday after learning that a federal grand jury had indicted him at the request of President Donald Trump’s Department of Justice.
Comey, who has long been one of Trump’s fiercest critics, addressed the news in a lengthy Instagram post, saying he and his family had always understood the risks of standing up to the president.
“My family and I have known for years that there are costs to standing up to Donald Trump, but we couldn’t imagine ourselves living any other way,” Comey wrote. “We will not live on our knees, and you shouldn’t either.”
He went on to quote advice from a loved one, framing the indictment as part of a broader struggle. “Somebody that I love dearly recently said that fear is the tool of a tyrant, but I am not afraid, and I hope that you aren’t either,” he said. “Instead, I hope you are engaged and that you will vote like your beloved country depends upon it, because it does.”
Comey expressed disappointment in the DOJ under Trump’s leadership but said he trusts the courts to handle the case fairly. “My heart is broken for the great Department of Justice, but I have great confidence in the federal judicial system,” he wrote. “I am innocent. So, let’s have a trial.”
His remarks came roughly an hour after CNN reported that the DOJ had persuaded a grand jury to indict the former FBI director on charges of lying to Congress and obstruction of justice. The indictment marks the first time in history that a former FBI director has been charged by a federal grand jury.
Comey’s tenure at the bureau has been one of the most polarizing in recent history. He was fired by Trump in 2017, sparking controversy that led to the appointment of Special Counsel Robert Mueller to investigate Russian interference in the 2016 election. Since then, he has frequently criticized Trump, while Trump and his allies have accused him of bias and misconduct.
Legal experts say the case against Comey is likely to be closely scrutinized, not only because of its historic nature but also because of the political tensions surrounding his feud with Trump.
For now, Comey appears ready to fight the charges head-on. His Instagram post made clear he is preparing for a courtroom battle while urging Americans to stay engaged in the democratic process.