The United States Secret Service is investigating former FBI Director James Comey after a cryptic Instagram post he made Thursday was interpreted by Trump allies as a potential call for violence against the sitting president.
The controversy stems from an image Comey posted to Instagram showing seashells arranged in the numbers “8647.” While seemingly innocuous at first glance, critics quickly pointed out that the number “86” is slang for “getting rid of” or ejecting something. When paired with “47,” referring to Trump as the 47th president, some claimed the post was suggestive of a veiled threat.
BREAKING: Former FBI Director James Comey just posted on Instagram a picture that says: "86 47"
— Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) May 15, 2025
What does Comey mean by "get rid of" the 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump? pic.twitter.com/SDzf92BmnI
“Cool shell formation on my beach walk,” Comey captioned the now-deleted photo.
The post sparked immediate backlash from Trump administration officials, political commentators, and Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., who accused Comey of encouraging assassination.
“Just James Comey causally [sic] calling for my dad to be murdered,” Trump Jr. posted on X (formerly Twitter). “This is who the Dem-Media worships. Demented!!!!”
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich also weighed in. “While President Trump is currently on an international trip to the Middle East, the former FBI Director puts out what can clearly be interpreted as ‘a hit’ on the sitting President of the United States — a message etched in the sand.”
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that the Secret Service had launched an investigation into the post.
“Disgraced former FBI Director James Comey just called for the assassination of @POTUS Trump,” Noem said on X. “DHS and Secret Service is investigating this threat and will respond appropriately.”
Comey, who launched the investigation into allegations of collusion between Russia and Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign — which rested on debunked intelligence from the infamous Steele dossier — claims he “didn’t realize” some would view the post as a call for violence, later issuing a statement attempting to clarify the intent of the post.
“I posted earlier a picture of some shells I saw today on a beach walk, which I assumed were a political message,” Comey wrote. “I didn’t realize some folks associate those numbers with violence. It never occurred to me, but I oppose violence of any kind so I took the post down.”
Despite the clarification, critics say the timing and symbolism of the post were at best irresponsible — especially given recent threats and failed assassination attempts against the president.
While Comey maintains the post was misinterpreted, critics argue that public figures—especially those with a history of political friction with Trump—must exercise extreme caution in their messaging.
As the Secret Service investigates whether Comey’s post crossed a legal line, the episode has reignited debate over political rhetoric, digital expression, and security risks facing prominent leaders.
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WTH did he think it meant? Even a kid knows what 86 means…ask him what he thought was so “cool ” about seeing 8647 …that there was another lunatic that had walked the beach previous to his arrival…smh
obiden jailed a grama for praying outside an abortion clinic. This fool should be jailed ASAP.