(The Hill) — Troy A. Edwards, Jr., son-in-law of James Comey, resigned from his position as the DOJ’s senior national security prosecutor Thursday following the indictment of the former FBI director by a federal grand jury.
“In allegiance to my oath to the Constitution and country, I am resigning from my role as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia with the DOJ immediately,” Edwards wrote to Lindsey Halligan, acting U.S. Attorney in Virginia’s Eastern District, as stated in a letter reviewed by various media outlets.
Edwards was part of the U.S. Attorney’s Office responsible for the two-count indictment against Comey, known for being a vocal critic of President Donald Trump. Edwards held the role of deputy chief of the national security section, which includes oversight of the CIA and the Defense Department.
Comey faced two charges: making a false statement and obstructing a congressional proceeding. These charges relate to his 2020 testimony concerning the 2016 investigations into candidate Trump and potential Russian interference. The indictment followed the president’s calls for legal action against those he considered political adversaries.
Trump welcomed the indictment, while Comey expressed his innocence and proclaimed that he is not “afraid.”
Edwards had been part of the prosecutorial team that secured a conviction against Stewart Rhodes, founder of the Oath Keepers, for plotting the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. The president subsequently pardoned Rhodes, several other riot leaders, and many involved in the insurrection.
The ex-FBI chief allegedly obstructed Congress by lying to a Senate committee.
“Comey stated that he did not authorize an FBI member to act as an anonymous source. The indictment claims that statement was false,” the DOJ mentioned in the indictment.
Democrats rebuked the indictment, alleging that the criminal justice system was “weaponized.” Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, said Thursday night that there is “very little chance” that Comey will ever be convicted.
Edwards’ resignation comes just months after the DOJ fired Maurene Comey, the ex-FBI chief’s daughter, as a prosecutor in the Southern District of New York. She is contesting her July dismissal, saying it came without cause, opportunity to contest and no notice.
