Judge Advances Comey Lawsuit; Ex-FBI Director Indicted Again
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Washington — On Tuesday a federal judge ruled that Maurene Comey's lawsuit challenging her firing by the Trump administration may proceed in federal court, finding the claim rests on Article II rather than civil service removal statutes. Also on Tuesday a grand jury returned a new indictment against former FBI Director James Comey over a social-media photo of seashells that prosecutors said constituted a threat.
The judge, U.S. District Judge Jesse Furman, issued a 27-page opinion limiting the Merit Systems Protection Board's jurisdiction this week; court scheduling and briefing will follow. Prosecutors, led by actions attributed to acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, secured the indictment months after a separate indictment was dismissed, and defense filings and pretrial motions are expected in the coming weeks.
More context
Timeline
- 1. Nearly a year ago: the social-media photo of seashells was posted.
- 2. Months later: a prior, separate indictment related to James Comey was dismissed.
- 3. Tuesday: a grand jury returned a new indictment against James Comey over the seashells post.
- 4. Tuesday: U.S. District Judge Jesse Furman ruled Maurene Comey's firing lawsuit may proceed in federal court.
- 5. Next steps: prosecutors and defense teams will file motions, set schedules, and prepare pretrial processes.
Why it matters
This case could impact how future firings of federal employees are handled. If you're a civil servant, it's worth keeping an eye on. Also, the indictment over a social media post could set a precedent for what's considered a threat online. Check your own posts for anything that could be misconstrued.
Sources
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