Comey Seeks Dismissal of Indictment Linked to Instagram Post
WHO:
CBS News - James Comey, former FBI Director
ABC News - James Comey, ex-FBI Director
WHAT:
CNN - Comey faces charges that include making a threat against the president and transmitting a threat in interstate commerce.
CNN - Comey's defense team described the indictment as targeting and chilling core political speech, arguing it must be dismissed at this juncture.
CBS News - Comey argued that criminal charges stemming from an Instagram post should be dropped.
ABC News - Comey is charged for posting a picture of seashells spelling out "8647."
WHEN:
CNN - Comey's arraignment is scheduled for September 30.
WHY:
CNN - Comey's attorneys argue that to be a “true threat” under the law, the post would have needed to communicate a “serious expression” of intent to commit violence.
CBS News - Comey claims his speech is protected by the First Amendment.
HOW:
CNN - Comey responded to his April indictment in a video posted to his Substack account, stating, “I’m still innocent. I’m still not afraid. And I still believe in the independent federal judiciary, so let’s go.”
CBS News - Comey's attorneys filed a motion seeking the dismissal of the indictment.
(UPDATED July 27, 2026 18:26 UTC)
James Comey's arraignment is set for September 30, where he faces serious charges, including making a threat against the president and transmitting a threat in interstate commerce. His defense team argues that the indictment is an attack on political speech and should be dismissed, claiming that the alleged threat does not meet the legal definition of a "true threat." In a video on his Substack account, Comey maintained his innocence, saying, “I’m still innocent. I’m still not afraid. And I still believe in the independent federal judiciary, so let’s go.”
--
(UPDATED July 27, 2026 17:35 UTC)
James Comey, the ex-FBI Director, is facing charges for posting a picture of seashells that spell out "8647" on Instagram. He argues that these criminal charges should be dropped, claiming that his speech is protected by the First Amendment. To support his case, Comey's attorneys have filed a motion seeking the dismissal of the indictment.