The arraignment of former FBI Director James Comey, charged with lying to Congress and obstructing a congressional proceeding, has been rescheduled from October 9 to Wednesday, October 8. U.S. District Judge Michael Nachmanof, a Biden appointee, cited “security concerns” as the reason for advancing the hearing by one day. The court order noted that other cases scheduled for the same date were expected to draw large crowds, prompting the adjustment.

The move comes amid reports that FBI leadership considered staging a public arrest and “perp walk” of Comey, involving “beefy” agents in full tactical gear. A source familiar with internal discussions revealed that supervisory special agents were reportedly tasked with assembling a team for the operation. However, an agent refused to participate, deeming the plan inappropriate for a white-collar defendant, and was subsequently suspended for insubordination.

Comey’s indictment followed a grand jury vote on September 25, with his lawyers agreeing to appear in court for the original October 9 arraignment. The FBI’s internal debate over a high-profile arrest occurred on the same day as his indictment, according to sources. No further details about the agency’s plans have been disclosed.