The Secret Service is investigating allegations that former FBI director James Comey called for violence against President Trump on Thursday.
Comey, who was dismissed by Trump early in his term, shared images of a shell configured to resemble the number “8647.”
The number “86” often implies the removal of something, particularly in restaurants or bars. Trump, of course, is the 47th president of the United States.
In his post, Comey stated, “A cool shell formation on my beach walk.”
Officials from the Trump administration, along with Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., interpreted Comey’s post as a potential death threat against the president.
While Trump is currently traveling in the Middle East, officials expressed deep concern over Comey’s message, suggesting it could be viewed as a call for violence against a sitting president. They emphasized the seriousness of the situation.
Trump Jr. accused Comey of having a “causal relationship” with violence against his father, tweeting screenshots of the post and insinuating that Comey was out of touch.
The Secretary of Homeland Security, Christie Noem, confirmed that the Secret Service is involved in the investigation.
Noem stated, “Disgraceful former FBI director James Comey called for the assassination of @potus Trump. DHS and Secret Service are investigating this threat and will respond appropriately.”
Comey, who famously initiated an inquiry into alleged collusion between Russia and Trump’s campaign, claimed he didn’t realize that some might interpret his post as violent. He remarked, “I posted some photos of shells from my beach walk and didn’t think it had a political connotation. Some link those numbers to violence, but that wasn’t my intention.”
He added, “I’m against all kinds of violence, so I removed the post.”
In the past, Trump has been the target of serious violence, including an assassination attempt last July in Pennsylvania, which resulted in injuries and one fatality. Another incident involved an individual armed with a rifle hiding outside a golf course in Palm Beach, aiming to attack Trump, but the plot was thwarted by a vigilant Secret Service agent.
Neither the Secret Service nor Comey’s representatives responded immediately to requests for comment.
