Full Breakdown
Federal Grand Jury Subpoena Issued to Former Comey Advisor in New Leak Probe
8/31/2026, 9:52:27 PM
New Subpoena Targets Daniel Richman
A federal grand jury issued a subpoena to Daniel Richman, a former law professor and longtime adviser to former FBI Director James Comey, as part of a Justice Department investigation into allegations that Comey leaked classified information to the New York Times. The subpoena, delivered on a Monday, signals the launch of a fresh probe distinct from earlier inquiries.
Background of the Leak Allegations
The alleged leak was first examined during President Donald Trump’s first term. That investigation was halted after President Joe Biden assumed office in January 2021. Richman, who helped lead the 2018 inquiry into the leak, previously sued the government over a Fourth-Amendment claim related to the seizure of his electronic devices; a Washington, D.C., federal judge ruled in his favor in December of the prior year.
Related Legal Actions Against Comey
The subpoena arrives alongside a separate DOJ investigation into Comey’s conduct surrounding an Instagram post that prosecutors allege threatened President Trump. Comey currently faces two federal charges tied to that post, with potential penalties of up to ten years in prison.
Official Response from the Justice Department
Justice Department officials have not provided detailed comments on the new subpoena beyond confirming that the grand jury is examining the classified-information leak to the New York Times. The department’s public communications emphasize that the investigation proceeds independently of the earlier threat-related case.
The combined legal actions underscore the DOJ’s renewed focus on both the alleged leak and the separate threat allegation involving former FBI leadership.
