Former FBI director files motion to dismiss criminal charges

Former FBI Director James Comey has asked a federal court to drop criminal charges against him. Comey faces two charges: threatening the president and sending a threat across state lines. His lawyers argue that the prosecutor, Lindsey Halligan, was appointed without Senate approval, which makes her appointment unlawful. They also say the charges are politically motivated and do not follow normal Justice Department rules. The charges relate to things Comey said in a 2020 congressional hearing about media leaks. A previous indictment against Comey was already dismissed because of the same problem with the prosecutor's appointment. Comey has pleaded not guilty and says he trusts the federal courts to handle his case fairly.