Former FBI director James Comey has been hit with a third set of criminal charges accusing him of unlawfully divulging national security information, according to court filings.
Comey, who was dismissed by President Donald Trump in May 2017 amid controversy over his handling of the FBI's investigation into Hillary Clinton's emails, has been a high-profile and polarising figure in American politics. The new allegations add to a sequence of legal actions involving the former bureau chief.
Allegations and filings
Prosecutors allege that Comey disclosed national security information in violation of the law. The recent charges constitute the third set brought against him, though the filing available publicly provides limited detail on the specific incidents or classified material at issue.
Rare prosecution of a former FBI chief
Criminal charges against a former head of the FBI are unusual, and the case is likely to draw intense legal and political scrutiny. Past prosecutions related to classified information often involve sensitive inquiries into how and why protected material was shared, and they can raise questions about precedent, accountability and the balance between transparency and national security.
Context and implications
Comey's tenure as FBI director was marked by high-profile decisions and partisan debate, most prominently the bureau's role in the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign. His firing by President Trump deepened political divisions and has continued to shape public discussion about the relationship between politics and law enforcement.
The new charges are expected to prompt further legal proceedings and public comment. Observers say the case could have implications for how leaks and disclosures are investigated and prosecuted, particularly when they involve senior officials. The outcome will be closely watched by both legal experts and political stakeholders.