The former FBI director attended Mass in New Jersey, while Trump tweeted from his golf course in the same state.
ALLENDALE, N. J. — The two main figures in the high-stakes political drama about the FBI, possible Russian interference in the U. S. presidential election and the leaking of memos that played out in Washington, D. C., last week both retreated to New Jersey over the weekend.
Former FBI Director James Comey was in Allendale on Sunday, where he attended Mass at Guardian Angel Roman Catholic Church with his wife, Patrice Failor, and his father, J. Brien Comey.
On Thursday, he testified before the Senate Intelligence Committee about his firing by President Trump, saying he believed that he lost his job because of the FBI’s investigation into the role Russia may have played in the 2016 presidential election.
Meanwhile, Trump repaired to Bedminster, where he tweeted from Trump National Golf Club about Comey and other matters.
Of Comey, he said: « I believe the James Comey leaks will be far more prevalent than anyone ever thought possible. Totally illegal? Very ‘cowardly!’ «
In his testimony last week, Comey said he had arranged for some memos he had written about his meetings with Trump to be leaked to The New York Times.
On Sunday, Comey didn’ t respond to a question about Trump’s tweet as he was leaving the church after Mass. He declined to answer other questions, but he did linger a while to speak with a priest, some parishioners and to take a photograph with some Northern Highlands High School students.
Comey wore a smile as he mingled in the foyer. “I’ ll see you again, ” he told a priest on his way out.
“We’ re just here to visit his Dad, ” his wife said after Comey was asked about the tweet. She said Mass was good.
Outside he helped his father navigate the handicapped ramp using a walker and his wife threw him the car keys.
He greeted three high school kids, asking them theirs names. They were thrilled when his wife suggested they take a photograph together. At 6 feet 8 inches, Comey towered above them.
Once the photo was taken, he helped his father into a four-door sedan and Comey and his family drove off.
