Comey indicted on obstruction charges over Russia-Trump collusion testimony

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(The Center Square) – Former FBI Director James Comey was indicted Thursday on charges that he lied to Congress when he denied claims that he leaked classified documents to a news outlet over the Trump-Russia election interference hoax investigation.

The indictment charges Comey with making false statements to Congress and obstruction of justice related to leaked documents to The New York Times.

"No one is above the law," Attorney General Pam Bondi posted on X after the indictment was released. "Today’s indictment reflects this Department of Justice’s commitment to holding those who abuse positions of power accountable for misleading the American people. We will follow the facts in this case."

FBI Director Kash Patel also posted a statement on X saying the Department of Justice under the Biden administration weaponized federal law enforcement against political opponents.

"For far too long, previous corrupt leadership and their enablers weaponized federal law enforcement, damaging once proud institutions and severely eroding public trust," wrote Patel. "Every day, we continue the fight to earn that trust back, and under my leadership, this FBI will confront the problem head-on. 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."

The Biden administration, Hillary Clinton and others alleged that Trump colluded with Russia to influence the outcome of the 2016 president election between Trump and Democratic nominee Clinton. The collusion allegation has since been debunked.

Comey, who was fired by Trump in his first term, also was under federal investigation for posting an image on Instagram in May of seashells in the sand spelling the numbers "8647." The number "86" often is used to refer to getting rid of something, including an individual. Trump is the 47th (and 45th) U.S. president. 

Accompanying the "8647" image was a message Comey captioned the post with: "Cool shell formation on my beach walk…" he wrote.