James Comey: A Profile of the Former FBI Director and His Recent Controversy
James Brien Comey Jr. is an American lawyer and former law enforcement official who served as the seventh Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) from 2013 to 2017. His tenure was marked by high-profile investigations and a contentious relationship with President Donald Trump, culminating in his dismissal during a probe into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.(Wikipedia)
Early Life and Education
Born on December 14, 1960, in Yonkers, New York, Comey graduated from the College of William & Mary in 1982 and earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Chicago Law School in 1985. He began his legal career as an assistant U.S. attorney in both the Southern District of New York and the Eastern District of Virginia. In 2002, he became the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, where he led significant prosecutions, including cases against organized crime figures and corporate fraudsters.
Career Highlights
Comey’s career includes several notable positions:
- Deputy Attorney General (2003–2005): Appointed by President George W. Bush, Comey served as the nation’s second-highest-ranking law enforcement official.
- Director of the FBI (2013–2017): Appointed by President Barack Obama, Comey’s leadership was defined by high-profile investigations, including the probe into Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server and the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.
- Private Sector Roles: After leaving the Department of Justice, Comey served as general counsel for Lockheed Martin and Bridgewater Associates, two prominent organizations in the defense and financial sectors, respectively.
Post-FBI Activities
Following his dismissal from the FBI, Comey became a public author and commentator. He published the memoir A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies, and Leadership in 2018, which was adapted into a television series. In 2021, he released Saving Justice: Truth, Transparency, and Trust. In 2023, Comey ventured into fiction with his debut crime novel, Central Park West, followed by a sequel in 2024. His third novel is anticipated in May 2025.
Recent Controversy
In May 2025, Comey faced scrutiny after posting an image on Instagram featuring seashells arranged to form the numbers “8647.” Critics interpreted this as a coded message implying harm toward President Trump, the 47th president. The Secret Service initiated an investigation into the matter, and Comey removed the post, stating he was unaware of any violent connotation associated with the numbers. This incident follows two recent assassination attempts against Trump, heightening the sensitivity surrounding perceived threats.(nypost.com)
Personal Life
Comey is married to Patrice Failor, whom he met at the College of William & Mary. They have five children and reside in McLean, Virginia. Comey is also a senior fellow at the Kettering Foundation, focusing on democracy and civic engagement.
For more detailed information, you can visit his Wikipedia page or the FBI’s official biography.
Source of image: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Comey