James Comey’s son-in-law, Troy A. Edwards, Jr., resigned Thursday evening from his role as a senior national security prosecutor shortly after the former FBI director was indicted.
In a brief letter to US Attorney Lindsey Halligan obtained by CNN, Edwards stated: “To uphold my oath to the Constitution and country, I hereby resign as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia in the Department of Justice effective immediately.”
Edwards served in the same Virginia office now handling his father-in-law’s prosecution.
CNN reported seeing Edwards at the courthouse as reporters waited for the grand jury’s decision Thursday. He met privately with the judge in chambers for roughly 30 minutes.
Comey was indicted on Thursday on charges of providing false statements and obstructing a congressional proceeding, marking an escalation in President Donald Trump’s efforts to pursue his political adversaries. If convicted, Comey could face up to five years in prison.
Responding to the indictment in an Instagram video, Comey said, “Let’s have a trial. And keep the faith.” He added, “My heart is broken for the Department of Justice but I have great confidence in the federal judicial system and I’m innocent.”
Earlier this summer, Comey’s daughter, Maurene Comey, was terminated from her position as a federal prosecutor in Manhattan and later filed a lawsuit against the Justice Department, alleging retaliation for her connection to the former FBI director.
During her tenure, Maurene Comey worked on high-profile cases, including those involving Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and Sean Combs, as well as a prominent case against gynecologist Robert Hadden for sexual abuse.
In her departure memo, Maurene Comey wrote: “Fear is the tool of a tyrant, wielded to suppress independent thought. Instead of fear, let this moment fuel the fire that already burns at the heart of this place. A fire of righteous indignation at abuses of power. Of commitment to seek justice for victims. Of dedication to truth above all else.”
Maurene Comey is among several federal civil servants dismissed during the Trump administration who have filed lawsuits seeking reinstatement or compensation, challenging the administration’s removal of FBI agents and other federal prosecutors without notice or adherence to legal procedures.
