Former FBI Director James Comey spoke out on Thursday after being indicted on two federal charges, saying that he and his family have long understood “there are costs to standing up to Donald Trump” but could not imagine living any other way.
“We will not live on our knees, and you shouldn’t either,” Comey said in a video statement posted on Instagram.
He added that someone close to him recently reminded him, “fear is the tool of a tyrant, but I’m not afraid, I hope you aren’t either.”
Comey urged Americans to stay engaged, stressing: “I hope instead you’re paying attention, and you will vote like your beloved country depends upon it, which it does.”
“My heart is broken for the Department of Justice, but I have great confidence in the federal judiciary system and I am innocent. So let’s have a trial and keep the faith,” he said.
This comes shortly after Comey’s son-in-law, Troy Edwards, resigned as a federal prosecutor in the wake of the indictment, saying the decision was made to uphold his constitutional oath, according to the Associated Press.
The Justice Department confirmed that Comey faces two charges: making a false statement and obstructing a congressional proceeding.
President Trump welcomed the indictment, calling it “justice for America” and describing Comey as “one of the worst human beings this Country has ever been exposed to.”
“JUSTICE IN AMERICA! One of the worst human beings this Country has ever been exposed to is James Comey, the former Corrupt Head of the FBI. Today he was indicted by a Grand Jury on two felony counts for various illegal and unlawful acts. He has been so bad for our Country, for so long, and is now at the beginning of being held responsible for his crimes against our Nation. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
