A courtroom in Alexandria, Virginia, became the stage for a dramatic confrontation Wednesday as a federal judge intensely questioned the Department of Justice regarding the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey. Judge Michael Nachmanoff, appointed by President Biden, directly challenged U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan, probing whether her actions were independent or influenced by external forces.
The scrutiny centers on the circumstances surrounding Comey’s indictment in September. Initially presented to a grand jury with three charges – false statements and obstruction of a congressional proceeding – the panel rejected one of those counts. This led to a revised, two-count indictment signed off on by Halligan.
A critical detail emerged during the hearing: Halligan admitted the grand jury never actually reviewed the amended indictment. Prosecutors asserted the final charges were identical to those previously approved, a claim that sparked immediate skepticism from Comey’s legal team.
Comey’s lawyer, Michael Dreeben, argued this admission effectively nullifies the indictment, asserting there is no valid legal basis for the charges. The situation escalated when Judge Nachmanoff posed a pointed question, asking if Halligan was acting as a “puppet” or “stalking horse” for former President Trump.
Dreeben, while avoiding those exact terms, indicated his team believes Halligan is operating under Trump’s direction. He highlighted the long-standing and well-documented animosity Trump harbors towards Comey, stemming from Comey’s firing in 2017 and subsequent public criticism.
The judge’s line of questioning focused, in part, on Halligan’s relative inexperience. Appointed to lead the Eastern District of Virginia just months ago, she had no prior prosecutorial experience before her installation by Trump, raising questions about the independence of her judgment.
Halligan was compelled to testify, marking her first time addressing the court directly since her appointment. She faced direct questioning about the handling of the grand jury process and the alterations made to the original indictment.
Judge Nachmanoff reserved judgment, leaving the fate of the indictment – and the case against Comey – hanging in the balance. The hearing revealed a deeply concerning process, raising serious doubts about the legitimacy of the charges and the impartiality of the prosecution.
