James Comey arraignment set for June 30

A June 30 arraignment date and July 15 trial date have been scheduled for former FBI Director James Comey, who is facing federal charges tied to a social media post last year, as President Donald Trump escalated criticism of the longtime law enforcement official and called him a “dirty cop” in a weekend post.

The trial date was set in federal court proceedings tied to an indictment brought by the Justice Department in April. Comey is scheduled to appear for arraignment in North Carolina before US District Judge Louise Flanagan, where he is expected to enter a not guilty plea, per the Reflector.

On Saturday, Trump reposted an old video of Comey and wrote on Truth Social, “Does anybody believe this guy??? A Dirty Cop!!!”

The charges center on an Instagram post Comey made in May of last year showing seashells arranged in the numbers “86 47,” which prosecutors allege could be interpreted as a threat against the life of Trump, the 47th president.

The Justice Department said in its filing that “a reasonable recipient who is familiar with the circumstances would interpret as a serious expression of an intent to do harm to the President of the United States.”

Comey has denied any intent to threaten violence, saying in a video posted after the indictment that the image was misinterpreted. “I’m still innocent, I’m still not afraid, and I still believe in the independent federal judiciary, so let’s go,” Comey said. “But it’s really important that all of us remember this is not who we are as a country, this is not how the Justice Department is supposed to be.”

He said the post was based on a beach walk with his wife and that he later removed it after concerns were raised. “I don't want to be associated with violence of any kind,” he said.

The indictment alleges Comey “consciously disregarded a substantial risk that his communication would be viewed as threatening violence.”

FBI Director Kash Patel defended the charges, saying in a statement: “James Comey disgracefully encouraged a threat on President Trump’s life and posted it on Instagram for the world to see. As the former Director of the FBI, he knew full well the attention and consequences of making such a post.”