UMVA has learned that James Comey, the former FBI Director, has requested a postponement of his trial date as his legal team prepares to file crucial motions that could potentially dismiss the charges against him.
Comey is facing a serious indictment from a grand jury in the Eastern District of North Carolina, which has charged him with two felony counts: making a threat to take the life of, and to inflict bodily harm upon, the President of the United States, and transmitting a threatening communication in interstate and foreign commerce.
The indictment specifically mentions a post Comey made on Instagram last May, which read "Cool shell formation on my beach walk," accompanied by the ominous numbers '86 47'. This cryptic message has been interpreted as a threat to 'eliminate/kill' the 47th president, Donald J. Trump.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Comey's lawyers have asked Judge Louise Flanagan to push back the trial date to October, citing the need for more time to prepare and file motions seeking dismissal of the indictment on constitutional grounds.
Comey's lead counsel, Patrick Fitzgerald, a former US Attorney, has informed the judge that his client will file multiple motions, some of which may depend on the discovery to be produced by the Government, and may require extensive briefing. This has led to a proposed schedule for pretrial motions, responses, and replies.
The proposed schedule includes a pretrial motions deadline of July 28, 2026, a deadline for responses of August 18, 2026, and a deadline for replies of September 1, 2026. The arraignment is set for October 2026, with the trial date to be determined at that time.
Comey is facing a severe penalty if convicted, with up to 20 years in prison hanging over his head. His legal team's strategy will be crucial in determining the outcome of this high-stakes case.
