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September 15, 2025

Maurene Comey sues DOJ and executive offices over alleged politically motivated firing

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Claims firing violated Inspector General Act protections

Maurene ComeyMaurene Comey filed a complaint on Sept. 15, 2025 in federal court in Manhattan (Southern District of New York) seeking reinstatement, back pay and attorneys' fees after her Jul. 16, 2025 removal.

The complaint says Comey was dismissed the day after supervisors asked her to lead a major public corruption matter and three months after an 'Outstanding' performance review.

Comey was a longtime Southern District of New York prosecutor who worked on the prosecutions of Ghislaine Maxwell, Jeffrey Epstein matters, and the Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial.

The complaint alleges the termination was politically motivated and violated civil service protections and the Constitution; it quotes U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton as saying, 'All I can say is it came from Washington.'

🔐Ethics⚖️Justice

Test Your Knowledge

9
Q1

On September 15, 2025, did former Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey file a lawsuit in Manhattan federal court against the Department of Justice, alleging that her July 16, 2025 removal violated the Civil Service Reform Act’s protections and the Constitution’s Separation of Powers clause?

Q2

Which statute does Maurene Comey"s lawsuit allege was violated by her July 16, 2025 firing?

Q3

Which legal protections did Maurene Comey cite in her September 15, 2025 lawsuit against the Department of Justice after her July 16 firing?

Q4

Which statutory and constitutional protections does Maurene Comey invoke in her Manhattan federal court lawsuit over her July 16, 2025 firing from the Manhattan U.S. Attorney"s Office?

Q5

What specific legal protections does Maurene Comey allege were violated in her lawsuit against the Department of Justice following her July 16, 2025 termination from the Manhattan U.S. Attorney"s Office?

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People, bills, and sources

Maurene Comey

Maurene Comey

Former Assistant U.S. Attorney, Southern District of New York

James B. Comey

James B. Comey

Former FBI Director

Jay Clayton

U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York (interim from Apr. 16, 2025; judges approved him to remain Aug. 18, 2025)

U.S. Department of Justice and senior executive offices

Defendants

What you can do

1

civic action

Contact your representatives about civil service protections

Tell your member of Congress you support legal safeguards for career prosecutors and oversight of politically motivated personnel moves.

Find at

Phone Call Script: Contact Your Representative - Civil Service Protections

Opening: Hi, I'm calling as a constituent to express support for legal safeguards for career prosecutors and oversight of politically motivated personnel moves.

Key points to mention:

  • On Sep. 15, 2025, Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey sued the U.S. government, alleging her Jul. 16, 2025 termination was politically motivated
  • The filing alleges the office provided no lawful rationale, despite Comey having an "Outstanding" review three months earlier
  • Interim U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton reportedly said the order "came from Washington"
  • This raises concerns about political interference in career prosecutor positions

Impact explanation: When career prosecutors can be fired for political reasons without proper justification, it undermines the independence of the justice system. Prosecutors should be able to do their jobs without fear of political retribution.

Questions to ask:

  1. What is [Representative's name]'s position on protecting career prosecutors from politically motivated firings?
  2. Will [Representative's name] support legislation strengthening civil service protections for federal prosecutors?
  3. Will [Representative's name] support oversight hearings on politically motivated personnel moves in the Department of Justice?

Specific request: I'm asking [Representative's name] to support legal safeguards for career prosecutors and to conduct oversight of politically motivated personnel moves in the Department of Justice to ensure the justice system remains independent.

Contact: U.S. Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121 Ask for your representative by name

Thank you for your time.

2

understanding

Track the complaint in SDNY

Check court dockets for the case filed Sept. 15, 2025 in the Southern District of New York to follow motions and rulings.

Find at nysd.

How to Track the Comey Case in SDNY

Case Information:

  • Case filed: Sep. 15, 2025
  • Court: U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York
  • Plaintiff: Maurene Comey (Assistant U.S. Attorney)
  • Defendants: U.S. government, Department of Justice, executive offices
  • Allegations: Politically motivated termination, seeking reinstatement, back pay, legal costs

How to access court documents:

  1. PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records):

    • Register at https://www.pacer.gov/
    • Search for "Comey" in the Southern District of New York
    • Filter by filing date: Sep. 15, 2025

  2. Court Clerk's Office:

    • Call: (212) 805-0175
    • Request case documents by plaintiff name: Maurene Comey
    • Ask for the case number and docket information

  3. Court Website:

    • Visit: https://www.nysd.uscourts.gov/
    • Use the case locator tool

What to look for:

  • Initial complaint filed Sep. 15, 2025
  • Motions filed by either party
  • Court orders and rulings
  • Settlement discussions or trial dates

Key documents to review:

  • The original complaint (alleges "Outstanding" review three months before termination)
  • Any response from the government
  • Court orders on motions
  • Any settlement agreements

Why track this case: This case will reveal important information about whether career prosecutors are being fired for political reasons and what legal protections exist for federal employees.