Justice department claims Comey made ‘threat to kill’ Trump as it announces charges against former FBI director – live | Trump administration

The Department of Justice announced criminal charges against former FBI Director James Comey for allegedly making a threat to the life of President Donald Trump on social media. The indictment claims that Comey's Instagram post, featuring seashells arranged in a pattern reading "86 47," was interpreted as a threat. Comey has denied the charges and expressed faith that he will be exonerated at trial. Former Attorney General Todd Blanche, now acting attorney general, stated that this case is about holding people accountable for threats to the president's life. The indictment also cites Comey's previous actions as deputy attorney general, including his role in investigating former Vice President Dick Cheney's chief of staff Scooter Libby for perjury and obstruction of justice. Senator Adam Schiff criticized the charges against Comey, calling them frivolous and a tactic to secure Blanche's position as attorney general.