First on FOX: A Florida man faces charges after allegedly threatening to kill Alina Habba in a series of online posts directed at interim U.S. lawyers in New Jersey. Law enforcement interprets the term “86” in these posts to mean “removal.” The announcement came from Gregory W. Kehoe, a U.S. attorney for the Central District of Florida.
In May, Salvatore Russotto reportedly made threats of violence against Habba through various online messages, as detailed in an indictment reviewed by Fox News Digital.
Habba, who previously served as a counselor for Donald Trump, is identified as the victim in this case. The posts included statements like, “[VICTIM] 86 that b****” and “Slow and painful death. [VICTIM]. 86 that c***.” Another post read, “[VICTIM]. 86. Traitor. Death penalty for all traitors.”
Russotto is charged with transmitting interstate threats aimed at federal law enforcement officials. This is a troubling example, according to FBI Director Kash Patel, of dangerous behavior inspired by past officials. “It endangers those serving our country and threatens the safety of those striving to protect America,” he told Fox News Digital.
Patel also emphasized appreciation for Florida law enforcement’s swift action in this matter. The indictment follows prior concerns raised by Patel about the need to divert resources to investigate similar threats inspired by former FBI Director James Comey’s recent “86 47” social media post.
Last month, Patel expressed frustration over how many agents had to refocus their efforts on such matters instead of serious issues like child predators and drug traffickers. He noted that it complicates operational dynamics when political statements distract from critical investigations.
In a recent meeting, Comey discussed his “86 47” post with a member of the Secret Service, as sources indicated they were inquiring about the controversial message. The now-deleted Instagram post depicted shells on a beach arranged to spell out “86 47,” which Comey referred to as simply a neat shell formation.
After backlash regarding the post, Comey later stated he was unaware that people might connect the numbers to violence, leading him to remove the post on the grounds of opposing violence. However, Trump rejected Comey’s explanation during a May interview, asserting that the former FBI Director knew the implications of his post.
