FBI Agent Removed Over Planned Comey Perp Walk

Multiple outlets report an FBI agent was suspended or relieved after refusing to take part in plans to publicly escort (“perp walk”) former FBI director James Comey following his indictment. Comey was charged on Sept. 25 with making false statements and obstructing a congressional proceeding, denies wrongdoing, and was issued a court summons rather than an arrest warrant; he is due to appear for arraignment in northern Virginia. Reporting says FBI leadership discussed staging a showy arrest—requesting “large, beefy” agents in Kevlar and a public escort—prompting internal pushback and at least one agent’s refusal and discipline. FBI Director Kash Patel warned agents to “follow the chain of command or get relieved,” criticized media coverage, and did not explicitly deny the personnel action. Critics and some legal analysts characterize the indictment as politically motivated retribution by President Trump, and Comey is preparing to plead not guilty and seek a trial.