No friends for Comey; judge rules no amicus briefs
No friend of the court briefs will be allowed in America’s attempted prosecution against its former FBI Director James Comey in a North Carolina federal courtroom.
In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Judge Louise Flanagan on Friday gave a one-page order explaining the discretion available to the court and the route she’s chosen. Comey, facing charges tied to his posting of an image of seashells spelling out 86 47 on the Outer Banks, is scheduled for arraignment on Sept. 30 in New Bern and trial Oct. 21.
He is facing two federal counts of threats against the president.
“No federal rule of criminal procedure or local criminal rule provides for the filing of amicus briefs before this court,” Flanagan wrote. “It is a matter of this court’s discretion whether to allow.
“Defendant and the government are ably represented by competent counsel.”
The case is formally known as United States of America v. James Brien Comey Jr.
Her order concluded, “Acting within its discretion, the court provides this notice that no amicus brief will be considered. Accordingly, any future motion requesting permission to file summarily will be denied.”
In May 2025, prosecutors say, Comey – a resident of Virginia – posted to social media seashells on the Outer Banks arranged to spell out 86 47 – a commonly interpreted reference for eliminating something (86) and the numerical count (47) of presidents.
Comey was FBI director in the administration of former two-term Democratic President Barack Obama, serving from July 29, 2013, to May 9, 2017, when Trump fired him. His Senate confirmation was 93-1.
Comey was infamously investigating Trump ties to the Russian government when he was let go.
Comey was deputy attorney general to John Ashcroft during the administration of former two-term Republican President George W. Bush. His career outside of politics includes law professor at Columbia, and time with Lockheed Martin and Bridgewater Associates.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Chicago proposes funding tax rebates with salaries from vacant city jobs
Ceasefire remains in effect as U.S., Iran exchange fire
Illinois news in brief: Prosecutors charge man with using care in attempt to kill cops; Military higher education bill goes to governor; Burrito chain closes locations in Chicago area
Frankfort Board Weighs Higher Substitute Pay Amid Staffing Shortages
Lincoln-Way North to Host TV Pilot Filming Under $210,000 Rental Deal
Frankfort Township Closes Fiscal Year With $2.48 Million General Fund Balance
Analysts: Redistricting to cost taxpayers, while slowly shifting election outcomes
Trump honors fallen service members, vows Iran will not obtain nuclear weapon
Stephen Colbert returns to community show after final ‘Late Show’ appearance
Illinois dual office holding debate intensifies amid Calumet funding, ethics concerns
School choice Yass Prize awards continue, $20M worth of grants awarded nationwide
U.S. sees progress in Iran talks, Tehran says no deal yet
