FBI Director James Comey won't speak at the SXSW Conference on Monday, a last-minute change after Comey said a scheduling conflict would prevent him from coming to the event.
Comey’s decision comes after President Donald Trump accused the Obama administration on Twitter over the weekend of wiretapping his private quarters at Trump Tower just before November’s election. Comey denies the FBI ordered or allowed any surveillance on Trump or Trump Tower and asked the Justice Department to refute Trump’s claims.
Politically active attendees of the multifaceted SXSW conference were anticipating Comey’s appearance. He has been at the middle of several controversies since becoming FBI director, including the investigation into Hillary Clinton’s private email server.
The festival’s sessions and speakers include many leaders of business and politics. Taking Comey’s place will be a sit-down between FBI General Counsel James Baker and Newsuem CEO Jeffrey Herbst, USA Today reported.
Last year, both Barack and Michelle Obama made keynote appearances, and former Vice President Joe Biden will speak this year.
Comey was shocked and upset over Trump’s allegations, which he feared could make the FBI look bad, according to CNN. There has not been any response by the Justice Department to Comey’s request for assistance.
Comey has no plans to resign over the issue. Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly said on CNN he thinks Trump must have evidence of the wiretapping and that Comey should call for an investigation.
“Jim Comey is an honorable guy,” Kelly said, “and so is the president of the United States. And the president must have his reasons.”
Twitter users speculated Comey's SXSW cancellation was because he'll have his hands full dealing with the recent allegations.
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