FBI Weighs "Showy" Arrest of Ex-Director James Comey, Agent Suspended for Refusal
The FBI is reportedly considering a "showy" arrest and perp walk for its former director, James Comey, who was recently indicted. According to CBS News, an agent has been suspended for refusing to participate in the planned arrest, citing its inappropriateness for a white-collar defendant.
Comey's Indictment and the Proposed Arrest
James Comey was indicted last week on charges of lying to Congress and obstructing a congressional proceeding. This unprecedented move followed public pressure from President Trump on Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate Comey. A grand jury indicted him on September 25, and he was summoned to appear in federal court in northern Virginia on October 9.
Despite Comey's lawyers arranging for him to appear for his arraignment, FBI leadership allegedly discussed arresting Comey instead. The source told CBS News that leadership requested "large, beefy" agents to conduct the arrest "in full kit," including Kevlar vests and FBI-branded outerwear. A supervisory special agent in the FBI's Washington Field Office violent crimes division was suggested to lead the effort.
Agent's Refusal and Internal Resistance
An agent refused to participate, deeming the proposed arrest inappropriate for a white-collar defendant. He was subsequently suspended for insubordination. However, the FBI is reportedly still attempting to assemble a team for Comey's arrest before his court appearance. Other FBI supervisors have also refused to cooperate, according to sources familiar with the situation.
Controversy Surrounding "Perp Walks"
The practice of public perp walks has been controversial. Critics argue that it undermines the presumption of innocence. The New York Civil Liberties Union previously urged Comey, during his tenure as a federal prosecutor in Manhattan, to end the practice, calling it "calculated simply to cause public humiliation and embarrassment of the accused."
Escalation of the Trump-Comey Feud
Comey's indictment marks an escalation in the ongoing feud between Mr. Trump and the former FBI director. Mr. Trump has repeatedly criticized Comey over the FBI's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Comey, in turn, has called Mr. Trump "morally unfit to be president."
Details of the Charges Against Comey
The charges against Comey stem from his testimony during a Senate hearing five years ago. He is accused of falsely stating that he had not authorized anyone at the FBI to act as an anonymous source in media reports related to investigations into Hillary Clinton. The indictment does not specify whom he allegedly authorized or the nature of the leaks.
Upheaval in the U.S. Attorney's Office
The indictment follows significant upheaval in the U.S. Attorney's office in the Eastern District of Virginia, where Comey was indicted. The lead prosecutor, Erik Siebert, resigned two weeks prior, and Mr. Trump replaced him with his former personal lawyer, Lindsey Halligan, who subsequently requested the indictment. Sources say that staff in the office had circulated a memo that argued charges shouldn't be brought against Comey. The Justice Department also fired two high-level prosecutors in the Eastern District of Virginia in the last two weeks.
