Former FBI Director James Comey is facing a federal investigation after sharing a controversial photo on Instagram that sparked outrage among Trump allies. The post showed seashells arranged to form the numbers “86 47,” which critics argue was a veiled threat against President Donald Trump, the 47th president of the United States.
Comey captioned the image, “Cool shell formation on my beach walk,” but the numbers raised concerns, particularly the use of “86,” which can be slang for “getting rid of” someone. While Merriam-Webster notes the term can mean “to kill” in certain contexts, it has not officially adopted that definition due to its limited use.
The post was swiftly deleted after backlash. Comey later clarified that he hadn’t realised the numbers could be interpreted as violent. “I assumed they were a political message,” he wrote, adding, “I oppose violence of any kind, so I took the post down.”
Despite the explanation, the reaction from Trump supporters was fierce. Donald Trump Jr. accused Comey of calling for his father’s assassination, calling the post “demented.” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem went further, saying, “Disgraced former FBI Director James Comey just called for the assassination of @POTUS Trump.”
Current FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the agency is cooperating with the US Secret Service in investigating the matter. “Primary jurisdiction is with the Secret Service, and we, the FBI, will provide all necessary support,” Patel said.
White House Deputy Chief of Staff James Blair also weighed in, calling the post a “clarion call to terrorists and hostile regimes” while the president is abroad in the Middle East.
Comey, who led the FBI from 2013 until he was fired by Trump in 2017, is currently promoting his new crime novel, *FDR Drive*. His tenure at the FBI remains controversial, particularly over his handling of investigations into Hillary Clinton’s emails and alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election neither of which led to charges, though both drew sharp criticism from both political sides.
Comey captioned the image, “Cool shell formation on my beach walk,” but the numbers raised concerns, particularly the use of “86,” which can be slang for “getting rid of” someone. While Merriam-Webster notes the term can mean “to kill” in certain contexts, it has not officially adopted that definition due to its limited use.
The post was swiftly deleted after backlash. Comey later clarified that he hadn’t realised the numbers could be interpreted as violent. “I assumed they were a political message,” he wrote, adding, “I oppose violence of any kind, so I took the post down.”
Despite the explanation, the reaction from Trump supporters was fierce. Donald Trump Jr. accused Comey of calling for his father’s assassination, calling the post “demented.” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem went further, saying, “Disgraced former FBI Director James Comey just called for the assassination of @POTUS Trump.”
Current FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the agency is cooperating with the US Secret Service in investigating the matter. “Primary jurisdiction is with the Secret Service, and we, the FBI, will provide all necessary support,” Patel said.
A couple of problems with your approach, Cash:
— Three Year Letterman (@3YearLetterman) May 15, 2025
1. 86 is a sexual position. It’s not illegal for comey to express desire for another man, even the president
2. He has diplomatic immunity
White House Deputy Chief of Staff James Blair also weighed in, calling the post a “clarion call to terrorists and hostile regimes” while the president is abroad in the Middle East.
Comey, who led the FBI from 2013 until he was fired by Trump in 2017, is currently promoting his new crime novel, *FDR Drive*. His tenure at the FBI remains controversial, particularly over his handling of investigations into Hillary Clinton’s emails and alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election neither of which led to charges, though both drew sharp criticism from both political sides.
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