Morning Wire — “Former FBI Director James Comey Indicted”

Date: September 26, 2025
Hosts: John Bickley & Georgia Howe
Key Contributors: Tim Pierce, Jenny Terre, Amanda Prestigiacomo

Episode Overview

This episode centers around the stunning federal indictment of former FBI Director James Comey, explores its roots in the aftermath of the Trump–Russia probe, provides updates on violent crime trends (including an anti-ICE terror attack in Dallas and California’s escalating smash-and-grab robberies), and examines political fallout—particularly Governor Gavin Newsom’s stance on federal law enforcement. The Morning Wire team delivers critical reporting on political accountability, law enforcement, and public safety.

Major Segments & Discussion Points

1. James Comey Indictment: Context and Charges

[02:17–06:27]

• Details of the Indictment

  • Former FBI Director James Comey was indicted on charges of giving false statements and obstruction of a congressional proceeding.
  • The heart of the charges centers on Comey’s 2020 congressional testimony regarding his authorization of leaks relating to the Trump and Clinton investigations.

• Key Allegations

  • The prosecution focuses on testimony before Senator Ted Cruz in which Comey denied leaking information or authorizing others at the FBI to serve as anonymous sources.
    • Sen. Ted Cruz [02:55]:
      “He [McCabe] has publicly and repeatedly stated that he leaked information ... and that you [Comey] were directly aware of it and that you directly authorized it. ... One or the other is false. Who's telling the truth?”
    • James Comey [03:53]:
      “I can only speak to my testimony. ... I stand by... what I gave in May of 2017.”

• Immediate Reactions

  • Comey responds with defiance:
    • James Comey [04:40]:
      "We will not live on our knees, and you shouldn’t either. ... Fear is the tool of a tyrant. And she’s right. But I’m not afraid, and I hope you’re not either."
  • Trump reacts by calling Comey “one of the worst human beings this country has ever been exposed to” and claims Comey is “now at the beginning of being held responsible for his crimes against our nation.” ([05:18])
  • Attorney General Pam Bondi says the indictment signals accountability: “...No one is above the law, and the charges are about holding those who abuse positions of power accountable for misleading the American people.”
  • FBI Director Cash Patel calls for renewed trust through leadership accountability.

• Timing Factors

  • The statute of limitations for lying to Congress (5 years) was set to expire, prompting swift DOJ action.
    Tim Pierce [06:02]:
    “In another few days, Comey would have been out of a prosecutor’s reach. ... The Justice Department had about as difficult a time deciding whether to bring these charges as the lateness of them would suggest.”

2. Dallas Anti-ICE Terror Attack

[07:27–11:50]

• Incident Overview

  • Shooter Joshua John attacked an ICE facility, tragically killing one detainee and injuring two others before committing suicide.
  • Authorities found notes detailing John’s motives—to terrorize ICE agents while avoiding harm to detainees.

• Motive & Method

  • Acting U.S. Attorney [08:29]:
    • “He hoped his actions would terrorize ICE employees and interfere with their work, which he called human trafficking. And this ... is the very definition of terrorism.”
  • ICE official Marcos Charles lauds agents' heroism during the attack and highlights the dangers posed by apps that publicly expose ICE officer locations.
    • Marcos Charles [11:08]:
      “Anyone who creates or distributes these apps ... [is] well aware of the dangers ... It’s no different than giving a hitman the location of their intended target ... exactly what we saw happen in Dallas yesterday.”

• Connection to Tech & Media

  • The shooter used online apps to track ICE activity, and law enforcement blames both the creators and the media for amplifying threats to officers’ safety.

3. California Smash-and-Grab Crime Wave & Political Fallout

[11:54–16:09]

• Crime Surge Details

  • California, especially the Bay Area, sees a spike in mob-style robberies targeting jewelry stores—30 incidents since March and millions in losses.
  • Scott Guginski (Jewelers Security Alliance) [13:57]:
    “This is something I haven’t seen in my 30 plus years of investigating jewelry crime with the NYPD.”

• Victim Statements

  • Family friend of an 88-year-old victim [13:25]:
    “He is okay. Business is not, not okay. ... Every business is in danger.”

• Political Reactions

  • Trump spotlights Oakland and Los Angeles as epicenters of failed crime policies, while Gavin Newsom maintains crime is “under control.”
  • Newsom pivots from local crime issues to harsh rhetoric against federal law enforcement—particularly ICE—appearing on Stephen Colbert’s show and drawing parallels to authoritarian overreach.
    • Newsom [14:56]:
      “No oversight, zero accountability happening in the United States of America today. ... Authoritarian actions by an authoritarian government.”

• Newsom’s New Law & ICE Backlash

  • Newsom signs a law banning ICE agents from masking their identities during arrests; agents and DHS officials condemn it as a threat to officer safety.
  • DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin [15:19]:
    Describes the law as “despicable” and endangering federal officers.
  • ICE sources assert agents will continue masking as needed and accuse Newsom of stirring political conflict.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• James Comey [04:40]:
  “We will not live on our knees, and you shouldn't either. ... Fear is the tool of a tyrant. ... I hope you're not afraid.”
• Sen. Ted Cruz [02:55]:
  "What Mr. McCabe is saying and what you testified to this committee cannot both be true. One or the other is false. Who's telling the truth?"
• John Bickley [11:08, paraphrasing ICE official]:
  "It’s no different than giving a hitman the location of their intended target ... exactly what we saw happen in Dallas yesterday."
• Scott Guginski [13:57]:
  “This is something I haven’t seen in my 30 plus years of investigating jewelry crime with the NYPD.”
• Newsom [14:56]:
  “Authoritarian actions by an authoritarian government.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• James Comey indictment, testimony, and response: [02:17–06:27]
• ICE Dallas shooting report: [07:27–11:50]
• California smash-and-grab crime wave & Newsom comments: [11:54–16:09]

Tone & Language

The episode maintains a brisk, no-nonsense tone, blending direct quotes from politicians and officials with fact-based, pointed analysis by the Daily Wire team. The style is urgent and skeptical, especially regarding establishment figures and crime policy.

Summary

This Morning Wire episode delivers an in-depth overview of the historic indictment of James Comey, illustrating the continuing fallout from the Trump–Russia investigation. It highlights both the legal and political implications, features Comey and Trump’s dramatic statements, and situates the story amid broader concerns over violent crime and contentious law enforcement policy. With key expert voices, memorable moments, and rapid-fire news reporting, listeners are equipped to understand both the stakes and the context of these headline-making stories.