Former FBI Director James Comey released a public response Monday after a federal judge dismissed the criminal cases against him and New York Attorney General Letitia James.
The dismissals were issued without prejudice, meaning the cases may be brought again. The White House confirmed that the Department of Justice will appeal the ruling immediately, as reported [1] by The Gateway Pundit.
Judge Cameron McGowan Currie, a Clinton appointee, ruled that U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan’s appointment violated the Appointments Clause of the Constitution.
The judge also ruled that Attorney General Pam Bondi’s attempt to ratify Halligan’s actions was “ineffective.”
Comey responded to the ruling [2] in a video posted to Instagram. He accused President Trump of using the Justice Department to target political opponents.
“A message has to be sent that the president of the United States cannot use the Department of Justice to target his political enemies,” Comey said.
Comey added that the issue extends beyond partisan disagreements. “I don’t care what your politics are, you have to see that as fundamentally un-American and a threat to the rule of law that keeps all of us free,” Comey said.
He stated that he expects President Trump to attempt further action against him.
“I know that Donald Trump will probably come after me again, and my attitude is going to be the same. I’m innocent, I am not afraid, and I believe in an independent federal judiciary,” he said.
The ruling followed indictments issued by a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Virginia. Comey had been indicted on charges related to false statements and obstruction of a congressional proceeding. Letitia James was also indicted last month.
The dismissals came after arguments centered on Halligan’s appointment and authority. The judge’s decision stated that Halligan’s appointment was unconstitutional and that actions taken under that appointment were not legally valid.
Because the dismissal was without prejudice, prosecutors may refile the charges if the appeal overturns the ruling.
The White House said the Justice Department disagrees with the court’s constitutional interpretation and plans to challenge the decision. Officials confirmed that the appeal will be filed immediately.
Comey released his statements after the ruling became public, responding directly to the decision and outlining what he believes the implications may be for future legal proceedings. The video was Comey’s first public reaction following the judge’s ruling.