Judge delays Comey’s NC court appearance in Trump threat case to September; trial scheduled for October: Records

Former FBI Director James Comey’s court appearance in North Carolina was postponed until September 30 after he filed a motion to delay his arraignment, citing the need for additional time to review discovery materials from federal prosecutors. Judge Louise W. Flanagan granted the request, originally set for June 30, and pushed back the trial date to October 21 if Comey pleads not guilty to charges of threatening President Donald Trump. The indictment stems from a May 2023 Instagram post where Comey shared a photo of seashells spelling “86 47,” which prosecutors argue was a serious threat. Federal officials claim the post represented an intent to harm Trump, though Comey has denied any wrongdoing. His legal team argues the government has not fully provided the necessary evidence to support the case. Comey’s arraignment was initially scheduled for June 30 in New Bern, but his motion to extend pre-trial proceedings led to the delay. The case is the second brought against him by the Trump administration’s Justice Department, following a dismissed false statement charge. Legal experts have questioned whether prosecutors can prove Comey’s intent behind the post, which references slang for ‘to kill,’ though Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has stated evidence exists beyond the image alone. The trial, if it proceeds, will take place in the Eastern District of North Carolina, with Comey’s defense expected to challenge the indictment’s validity. The delay reflects ongoing legal maneuvering as both sides prepare for what could be a high-profile confrontation.