James Comey due in Alexandria court Wednesday on criminal charges
Security heightened, overflow room arranged for former FBI director's hearing
Former FBI Director James B. Comey Jr. is scheduled to appear before a federal magistrate judge on Wednesday morning in a criminal case that has prompted unusual security measures at the Albert V. Bryan United States Courthouse at 401 Courthouse Square.
The hearing before Magistrate Judge William E. Fitzpatrick is set for 10 a.m. in Courtroom 600 on the sixth floor. Due to anticipated capacity and security concerns, court officials have designated Courtroom 601 as an overflow room with audio and video transmission of the proceedings.
For capacity and security reasons, the hearing before Magistrate Judge William E. Fitzpatrick on November 5, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. is hereby moved to Courtroom 600 on the Sixth Floor of the Albert V. Bryan United States Courthouse. Because seating capacity will be limited, Courtroom 601 will be reserved and will serve as an overflow courtroom. Please see the Order for additional information.
Comey, 64, was indicted Sept. 25 on charges of making a false statement to Congress and obstruction of an investigative proceeding related to his 2020 testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee regarding the FBI’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, ABC News reported.
The indictment came days after President Donald Trump publicly demanded the Justice Department act “now” to prosecute Comey and other political opponents, according to ABC News. Comey’s lawyers filed a motion Oct. 20 to dismiss the charges, alleging the prosecution is both selective and vindictive, according to an Oct. 23 analysis in The Conversation by Peter A. Joy, a law professor at Washington University in St. Louis.
The charges were brought by Lindsey Halligan, Trump’s former personal attorney who was installed to lead the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia despite having no prior prosecutorial experience, ABC News reported. Federal prosecutors had earlier informed Halligan they could not establish probable cause to charge Comey, ABC News reported Sept. 25.
Comey faces up to five years in prison if convicted, though actual sentences are typically less than maximum penalties, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
“My heart is broken for the Department of Justice,” Comey said in a video posted to Instagram after his indictment, according to ABC News. “I have great confidence in the federal judicial system and I am innocent, so let’s have a trial, and keep the faith.”
Attorney General Pamela Bondi posted to social media following the indictment: “No one is above the law. Today’s indictment reflects this Department of Justice’s commitment to holding those who abuse positions of power accountable for misleading the American people.”
Patrick J. Fitzgerald, Comey’s attorney, said in a statement: “Jim Comey denies the charges filed today in their entirety. We look forward to vindicating him in the courtroom,” ABC News reported.
Court officials are warning attendees to expect significant delays at courthouse security on Wednesday. The courthouse opens at 8 a.m., and all visitors must present valid photo identification to gain entry.
Cell phones and smart watches will not be permitted for use in either courtroom and must remain in locked Yondr pouches during the hearing. Food and water are prohibited in both courtrooms.
Any schedule changes will be posted on the court’s website.
The case carries the docket number 1:25-cr-272-MSN in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Alexandria Division.
The Comey hearing is the first of seven proceedings scheduled at the Alexandria courthouse on Wednesday, according to the court’s calendar. Other hearings include criminal and civil matters before Magistrate Judges Claude M. Alston, Anthony F. Davis, and Laura Vaala.
