Former FBI Director James Comey is in hot water after posting a photo of shells arranged to read “86 47,” which has been interpreted as a potential threat against President Donald Trump. This comes on the heels of his firing by Trump in 2017. Comey has since retracted the post, claiming he did not realize the numbers had violent connotations.
The number 86 is often used in American slang to mean “throw out” or “discard,” while 47 refers to Trump, as he is recognized as the 47th president.
In a now-deleted Instagram update, Comey mentioned, “The cool shell formation from my beach walk.”
Representative Andy Ogles criticized the post, likening it to a coded assassination proposal for the president.
In a letter, Ogles requested that the FBI and Secret Service look into possible violations of federal law and asked for assurance that Comey still has access to classified materials and security clearances.
The Secret Service confirmed awareness of Comey’s post and stated they take such rhetoric seriously. “We actively investigate anything deemed a potential threat,” remarked spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi. “This kind of rhetoric is taken very seriously.”
FBI Director Kash Patel mentioned he was coordinating with the Secret Service about the situation, underscoring that jurisdiction primarily lies with them while the FBI provides necessary support.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristy Noem stated that both DHS and the Secret Service are looking into this matter and will respond as needed.
After facing significant backlash, Comey deleted the post and issued a clarification, emphasizing his opposition to violence: “I posted some shell photos from my beach walk, not realizing I was connecting these numbers to any form of violence.”
Historically, he was fired during Trump’s initial term in May 2017.
