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Former FBI Director James Comey is under federal investigation following a now-deleted Instagram post that appears to reference the assassination of President Donald Trump, the 47th president of the United States.

The post — an image of seashells arranged to form the numbers “86 47” — has ignited political outrage, a Secret Service probe, and public speculation about coded threats at the highest levels.

‘86 47’ Instagram post
‘86 47’ Instagram post

'86 47' — Just Beach Art or a Death Code?

Comey’s photo, posted earlier this month, showed two rows of seashells forming the numbers “86” and “47.” To most Americans, it was ambiguous — until political observers pointed out that in restaurant slang, “86” means to eliminate, and “47” clearly refers to Trump, who began his second term this January.

Conservative media immediately pounced, interpreting the post as a covert call to "86" (kill) the 47th president. Trump himself responded forcefully.

“He knew exactly what it meant. A child knows what it meant,” Trump said in a Fox News interview.
“If the former FBI Director doesn’t know that, he’s lying — or worse.”

James Comey: ‘It’s Crazy Anyone Sees It That Way’

In a tense appearance on MSNBC with Nicolle Wallace, Comey broke his silence:

“It’s hard to have regret over something that, even in hindsight, still looks totally innocent to me,” he said.
“I thought it was a clever image. I never imagined this would be interpreted as violent — that’s crazy.”

Comey explained that he and his wife stumbled upon the shell formation on a beach walk and interpreted the numbers differently. “To me, ‘86’ always meant to leave a place,” he said. “My wife said it meant taking something off a restaurant menu. I snapped the photo and posted it. That was it.”

The post was taken down within 24 hours — after Comey received a call from the Secret Service.

Secret Service Steps In — No Charges Yet, But Case Still Open

Comey confirmed he was interviewed by agents at the Secret Service’s Washington field office last Friday. Officials say the investigation is ongoing, and prosecutors are reviewing whether Comey’s post constitutes a veiled threat under U.S. Code Title 18, Section 871 — threats against the president.

So far, no charges have been filed. But sources close to the probe say the decision will hinge on whether Comey’s post is judged to have “willful intent.”

“I don’t expect the Trump administration to take any further action,” Comey told MSNBC.
“I don’t think this rises to anything criminal — and I think they know that too.”

Political Fallout: Gabbard, Noem Call for Jail Time

The backlash has been swift and coordinated. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard called the post “unmistakable” and demanded Comey be prosecuted.

“No one gets a free pass to threaten the president, not even a former FBI chief,” Gabbard said.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem called the image “dangerous, deliberate, and disqualifying.”

Comey shrugged off the attacks:

“It says more about them than it does about me.”

James Comey says he wasn’t aware of the violent overtones of his social media post
James Comey says he wasn’t aware of the violent overtones of his social media post

A Nation on Edge After Assassination Attempts

The timing couldn’t be worse. In July 2024, Trump survived an assassination attempt at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, when a bullet grazed his right ear. Security has since been intensified nationwide.

This context, say security analysts, is why the “86 47” image triggered a serious federal response, not just online backlash.

“This is not 2015. A photo like that, posted by someone with Comey’s history and reach, is no longer just a quirky beach shot,” said former DHS official Jennifer Buckley.
“It’s a national security risk until proven otherwise.”

Fallout and Culture War Flashpoint

The “86 47” image has become a lightning rod in the cultural and political war dividing the nation. While critics view it as a veiled call for violence, Comey’s defenders see the outrage as manufactured political theater by Trump’s allies.

Meanwhile, social media has exploded with polarized hashtags:

  • #86Gate

  • #ComeyThreat

  • #ShellPost

  • #FreeSpeechOrFelony

The Bigger Picture: Can Symbolism Be a Crime?

This case may test the limits of First Amendment protection vs. perceived intent in a politically inflamed environment. Legal scholars say that even if Comey walks away uncharged, the case could set a precedent for how digital symbolism is treated when it involves public figures and national security.

Who is James Comey?

James Brien Comey Jr. is an American attorney and former law enforcement official best known for serving as the 7th Director of the FBI from 2013 to 2017. Born on December 14, 1960, in Yonkers, New York, Comey was raised in a Roman Catholic family in Allendale, New Jersey. He earned a degree in chemistry and religion from the College of William & Mary in 1982, followed by a Juris Doctor from the University of Chicago Law School in 1985.

Comey began his career as a federal prosecutor in the Southern District of New York, where he handled major organized crime and terrorism cases. He later served as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District and then as Deputy Attorney General under President George W. Bush. Known for his independent streak, Comey famously refused to certify a domestic surveillance program he deemed illegal in 2004.

In 2013, President Barack Obama appointed Comey to lead the FBI. His tenure became controversial during the 2016 presidential election, when he publicly announced the reopening of the investigation into Hillary Clinton’s emails just days before the vote. In 2017, President Donald Trump abruptly fired Comey, triggering a political firestorm and the appointment of Special Counsel Robert Mueller to investigate Russian interference in the election.

James Comey is married to Patrice Failor, and the couple has five children. Since leaving government, Comey has written two bestselling books, taught at Howard University, and built a second career as a speaker and political commentator. He remains a polarizing figure in American politics, known for his outspoken views and clashes with both major parties.
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