Story perspectives

Former FBI Director Comey Indicted for Threatening Trump

5/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

A two-count indictment charges former FBI Director James Comey with threatening U.S. President Donald Trump’s life in a May 2025 Instagram seashell photo and with an interstate threat.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Petracca was removed.
Timothy Severo now leads the prosecution.
Legal scholars warn the indictment could jeopardize First Amendment protections.
James Comey denies wrongdoing, plans to seek dismissal, and calls the prosecution vindictive.

1 of 1

Story summary

A two-count indictment charges former FBI Director James Comey with threatening U.S. President Donald Trump’s life in a May 2025 Instagram seashell photo and with an interstate threat.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Petracca was removed.
Timothy Severo now leads the prosecution.
Legal scholars warn the indictment could jeopardize First Amendment protections.
James Comey denies wrongdoing, plans to seek dismissal, and calls the prosecution vindictive.