A federal grand jury has subpoenaed Daniel Richman, a longtime friend and adviser to former FBI Director James Comey. This is part of a new investigation into allegations that Comey leaked classified information to the media, according to multiple law enforcement sources.
This subpoena suggests the Justice Department is reopening a probe into the leak of classified information to the New York Times. The initial investigation began during President Donald Trump’s first term but was halted under President Joe Biden’s administration. The current inquiry is in addition to another ongoing investigation related to claims that Comey threatened Trump.
Daniel Richman, a law professor and former attorney for Comey, was a key figure in the 2018 investigation concerning the leak. Previously, he sued, claiming prosecutors violated his Fourth Amendment rights by confiscating materials from his electronic devices in investigations conducted in 2019 and 2020. Last December, a federal judge in Washington, D.C., ruled in Richman’s favor.
Prosecutors used the files to indict Comey on charges of making false statements and obstructing Congress. These charges relate to his 2020 testimony about FBI officials anonymously sharing information with news outlets. The indictment also accused Richman, formerly a special FBI employee, of discussing ongoing investigations with reporters, particularly regarding Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign and her loss to Trump.
The current case emerges as Comey faces legal challenges over an Instagram post. This post included “86 47,” which prosecutors claim threatened Trump. In that case, Comey faces up to 10 years in prison on two federal charges. The original prosecutor resigned in early June.
According to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, threatening the life of the President is a severe violation of national laws. On April 28, during the announcement of Comey’s two-count indictment for threatening the president and transmitting a threat across state lines, Blanche emphasized the seriousness of the charges. He stated that any actions inciting violence against elected officials, such as President Trump, would lead to accountability.
This ongoing legal situation underscores the consequences of actions perceived as threats to high-ranking officials. The Justice Department’s stance remains firm on addressing any acts that could endanger national security or public officials.