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.
Mostly Sunny
Latest News Stories
Newsom responds to Bondi’s letter on sanctuary policies
U.S., NATO military officials discuss Ukraine security guarantees
Illinois quick hits: Governor bans school fines; Target fires hundreds over fraud
Industry advocates: More state regulation will drive insurance rates higher
Lawmakers, policy groups react to social media warning suit
From Mexico to Knoxville, five cartel leaders wanted in drugs, weapons conspiracy
Trump administration pushes to remove noncitizen Medicaid enrollees
“Candy Canes on Main” Gets Green Light for Parade, Donation
Public education budgets balloon while enrollment, proficiency, standards drop
Illinois news in brief: Cook County evaluates storm, flood damage; Giannoulias pushes for state regulation of auto insurance; State seeks seasonal snow plow drivers
Governor defends mental health mandate, rejects parental consent plan
Illinois quick hits: Arlington Heights trustees pass grocery tax
