Thread by @MZHemingway

IG Report on Comey's handling of classified memos is out. Page 2 says Comey specifically asked his friend to leak a memo to Michael Schmidt of the NYT. Schmidt regularly received and regurgitated leaks that falsely suggested a treasonous Russia collusion conspiracy existed.

Page 3: the Inspector General does "conclude that Comey’s
retention, handling, and dissemination of certain Memos violated Department and FBI policies, and his FBI Employment Agreement." oig.justice.gov/reports/2019/o…

Page 4: Comey claimed the memos he leaked in retaliation for President Trump's firing of him were personal but "Merely labeling a document as 'personal' or 'private' does not alter the official nature of a document if it is 'used in the transaction of public business.'

I'll go back and fill in details but ... Page 54: "Comey Violated Department and FBI Policies Pertaining to the
Retention, Handling, and Dissemination of FBI Records and
Information "

Page 56: "Comey violated FBI policies and the requirements of his FBI Employment Agreement when he sent a copy of Memo 4 to Richman with instructions to provide the contents to a reporter"

Page 60: "the civil liberties of every individual who may fall within the scope of the FBI's investigative authorities depend on the FBI's ability to protect sensitive information from unauthorized disclosure.... Former Director Comey failed to live up to this responsibility."

Comey didn't just violate Trump's civil liberties with his leaks, IG says on Page 60: "Comey set a dangerous example for the over 35,000 current FBI employees—and the many thousands more former FBI employees—who similarly have access to or knowledge of non-public information."

Of Comey's flouting of the rule of law, IG says on Page 61: "In
a country built on the rule of law, it is of utmost importance that all FBI employees adhere to Department and FBI policies..." IG notes office previously recorded Comey's failure to adhere to FBI policy.

Comey's own staff on his leaking against Trump for vengeance: "Comey’s closest advisors used the words 'surprised,' 'stunned,' 'shocked,' and 'disappointment' to describe their reactions to learning what Comey had done." Page 61.