A US federal judge has raised concerns over potential ‘investigative missteps’ and ‘government misconduct’ in the criminal case against former FBI director James Comey, initiated during the Trump administration. In a detailed 24-page opinion, Judge William Fitzpatrick mandated the release of grand jury materials, including transcripts and evidence, to Comey’s defense team. The case stems from President Donald Trump’s call for Comey’s prosecution, leading to the appointment of Lindsey Halligan as the lead prosecutor, who secured an indictment just three days later. Comey, who has pleaded not guilty to charges including obstructing a congressional investigation, was fired by Trump in 2017 after leading an inquiry into Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election. Judge Fitzpatrick identified at least two statements made by Halligan to grand jurors that could be seen as ‘fundamental misstatements of the law,’ potentially compromising the integrity of the grand jury process. The judge’s decision to grant access to all grand jury materials and complete audio recordings of the proceedings underscores the need to protect the rights of the accused in this high-profile case.