A federal grand jury on Thursday issued an indictment against James B. Comey, the former F.B.I. director. This formal accusation is a significant legal step against a high-profile public figure.
The indictment includes two counts: one of making a false statement and one of obstruction of a congressional proceeding. Obstruction, in this context, means actions that prevent lawmakers from doing their jobs correctly.
This legal action did not happen in a vacuum. It came amid extraordinary pressure from President Trump on prosecutors to pursue the case. This pressure is seen by many as a form of political retribution.
The President and Mr. Comey had a contentious relationship for a long time. Mr. Trump considered Comey a political antagonist, an opponent who stood in his way.
Therefore, the indictment is viewed not just as a legal matter but also as a result of a deep-seated political conflict between two powerful figures.