Court Battles

Judge schedules criminal trial for James Comey for July 15

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by Zach Schonfeld - 05/08/26 2:22 PM ET

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by Zach Schonfeld - 05/08/26 2:22 PM ET

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A federal judge on Friday set a July 15 trial date for former FBI Director James Comey on his new criminal charges of threatening President Trump.

U.S. District Judge Louise Flanagan, who will oversee the trial, also agreed that Comey doesn’t have to make the trek to her North Carolina courtroom on Monday to formally enter his not guilty plea. It’ll take place closer to trial.

The longtime Trump foe faces two criminal charges over allegations that a photo of seashells he shared on social media last May that displayed the message “86 47” amounted to a threat on Trump’s life. The phrase “86” is commonly used as slang for removing or throwing out something or someone, and Trump is the 47th president.

Comey denies wrongdoing and has portrayed it as a retribution campaign. His previous criminal charges were dismissed, and his attorneys have previewed that they will seek to toss the new indictment as a selective and vindictive prosecution.

Flanagan ordered them to file it and other pre-trial motions by June 5. The judge signaled she may schedule additional hearings to decide them.

Otherwise, Comey is due in court on June 30 for his arraignment, where he is expected to formally enter his not guilty plea about two weeks before his trial date.

Flanagan is an appointee of former President George W. Bush who serves on the federal bench in New Bern, N.C.

She agreed to postpone Monday’s arraignment with both sides’ support. Comey asked to call it off because he already made an initial appearance in Virginia, where he lives, shortly after he was charged.

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