FBI Considers Arrest of Former Director James Comey Amid Indictment

The FBI is deliberating a public arrest and 'perp walk' for former Director James Comey, who was recently indicted on charges of making false statements and obstruction. This consideration has led to internal discord, resulting in the suspension of an agent who refused to participate in the plan.

Comey was charged last week with lying to Congress and obstructing a congressional proceeding, following public pressure from President Trump on Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate him. A grand jury indicted Comey on September 25, and he has been summoned to appear in federal court in northern Virginia on October 9. His legal team has agreed to his voluntary appearance.

On the day of the indictment, FBI leadership discussed arresting Comey prior to his court appearance. They proposed using agents in full tactical gear for the operation. Supervisory Special Agent Chris Ray declined to participate, deeming the approach inappropriate for a white-collar defendant like Comey. Consequently, Ray was suspended for insubordination.

The FBI is actively assembling a team to arrest Comey before his scheduled court appearance, though other supervisors have also expressed reluctance. The agency is expected to find personnel willing to carry out the arrest.

The indictment of Comey marks a significant escalation in the longstanding conflict between President Trump and the former FBI director, whom Trump dismissed early in his first term. The charges allege that Comey lied during a Senate hearing five years ago by falsely stating he hadn't authorized anyone at the FBI to serve as an anonymous source in media reports about investigations into Hillary Clinton. Comey has denied any wrongdoing.

The charges followed upheaval in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, where Comey was indicted. Lead prosecutor Erik Siebert resigned two weeks ago and was replaced by Lindsey Halligan, President Trump's former personal lawyer. Shortly after her appointment, Halligan sought the grand jury indictment of Comey.

Some staff in the office had circulated a memo arguing against bringing charges against Comey, according to a Justice Department source.