WASHINGTON, DC – Former FBI Director James Comey has been indicted by a federal grand jury on two charges tied to his 2020 Senate testimony. The indictment, returned in Alexandria, Virginia on September 25, 2025, alleges Comey made false statements to Congress and obstructed a congressional proceeding.
The indictment centers on testimony Comey provided before the Senate Judiciary Committee in 2020. Prosecutors allege he misled lawmakers about his knowledge of media leaks related to investigations at the time.
Specifically, the two counts are:
- False Statements to Congress — Prosecutors say Comey knowingly gave untrue testimony under oath regarding his awareness of unauthorized disclosures.
- Obstruction of a Congressional Proceeding — Prosecutors allege his statements interfered with the committee’s ability to conduct oversight, constituting obstruction under federal law.
If convicted, Comey faces up to five years in prison for each charge. Federal sentencing guidelines would ultimately determine the recommended sentence, taking into account factors such as prior record, circumstances of the offense, and judicial discretion.
Following the indictment, Comey released a brief statement denying wrongdoing and affirming his intention to fight the charges in court. He expressed confidence in the legal process but did not address specific allegations.
Comey is expected to appear in federal court for arraignment in the coming days, where he will formally enter a plea. The court will then set a schedule for pretrial motions, discovery, and trial proceedings.
James Comey Indictment
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | James B. Comey |
| Position | Former Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation |
| Indictment Date | September 25, 2025 |
| Court | Eastern District of Virginia |
| Charges | (1) Making false statements to Congress; (2) Obstructing a congressional proceeding |
| Context | Based on Comey’s 2020 Senate testimony |
| Potential Penalty | Up to 5 years in prison per count |
| Status | Awaiting arraignment |
Q&A: Understanding the Charges
Q: What exactly is “lying to Congress”?
A: It refers to knowingly making false statements under oath before Congress. It is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 1001.
Q: What is “obstruction of a congressional proceeding”?
A: This charge applies when an individual knowingly interferes with Congress’s ability to carry out its duties. It is a violation under 18 U.S.C. § 1505.
Q: How serious are these charges?
A: Both charges carry a statutory maximum of five years in prison, though actual sentences often depend on sentencing guidelines and judicial discretion.
Q: What is the next step in the legal process?
A: Comey will be arraigned in federal court, after which his defense and prosecutors will prepare for trial.
Q: Does the indictment prove guilt?
A: No. An indictment is a formal accusation. Comey remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
James Comey Body Language Analysis
Dr. G’s Analysis (Above Video)
For readers who want to go deeper, the video above by Dr. John Paul Garrison re-examines Comey’s 2020 Senate testimony – the very appearance now at the center of the charges – through the lens of behavioral psychology. Following James Comey’s indictment, Dr. G’s analysis offers an extra layer of insight beyond the legal filings, breaking down his gestures, expressions, and overall body language under questioning.
- Nonverbal Cues Under Scrutiny: Dr. G, a clinical and forensic psychologist, highlights Comey’s posture, microexpressions, eye movements, and delivery style during questioning. These subtle details may help viewers assess whether his demeanor reflected confidence or discomfort as he denied authorizing leaks.
- Connecting Past Testimony to Present Charges: What once seemed like a routine hearing has become pivotal after prosecutors alleged Comey’s statements amounted to lying to Congress and obstruction. Viewing that testimony through a body language lens allows readers to revisit it in a new light, especially now that an indictment is pending.
- Beyond Politics, Into Psychology: While the legal process will ultimately determine Comey’s guilt or innocence, this video underscores how human behavior under stress can reveal clues about credibility. It’s not about partisan battles but about the science of how people respond under oath and intense pressure. It’s a perspective that complements the legal case, giving viewers the chance to study Comey’s demeanor for themselves.
Dr. John Paul Garrison, Psy.D., is a licensed clinical and forensic psychologist who runs the YouTube channel Dr. G Explains, where he analyzes body language and behavior in high-profile legal and political cases.
