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Timeline: Former FBI Director James Comey Indicted Again (April 2026)
Former FBI director James Comey has been indicted again in April 2026, five months after a prior case was dismissed. The indictment reportedly stems from a social media post on Instagram with the numbers '86' and '47', though the exact charge was not specified. The prior September 2025 charges alleged false statements to Congress and obstructing a congressional proceeding, which a federal judge threw out in November 2025.
Why It Matters
The case underscores ongoing legal and political tensions surrounding Comey and Trump allies, illustrating how charges can unfold amid a contentious public backdrop.
Timeline
4 Events
Indictment announced for Comey (linked to social media post)
April 28, 2026
The indictment was reported by US media on April 28, 2026, with The New York Times stating the indictment stems from a social media post by Comey but not specifying the exact charge. The post in question involved an Instagram image showing the numbers '86 47' and Comey’s accompanying explanation that he viewed it as a political message and later deleted the post.
Interim U.S. attorney Erik Siebert steps down (context preceding indictment)
April 2026
The Comey indictment came after the interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Erik Siebert, stepped down after reportedly telling Justice Department leaders there was insufficient evidence to charge him.
Federal judge throws out the September 2025 charges in November 2025
November 2025
A federal judge threw out the case in November 2025 on the grounds that the US attorney appointed by Trump to bring the charges was unlawfully appointed.
Comey charged in September 2025 with making false statements to Congress and obstructing a congressional proceeding
September 2025
Comey was charged in September 2025 with making false statements to Congress and obstructing a congressional proceeding. The charges were described as widely seen as retribution by Donald Trump against a political opponent.