Former FBI Director James Comey is under investigation by the Secret Service after posting and then deleting an Instagram photo showing seashells arranged to spell “8647.” The post was captioned as a simple observation of a “cool shell formation,” but Republicans interpreted the numbers as a coded message inciting violence against President Donald Trump. The Secret Service has confirmed they are taking the matter seriously and investigating the post as a potential threat.
“86” Slang Meaning Sparks Assassination Claims; Secret Service Investigates Threats Against President
The number “86” is slang that can mean “to reject” or “to get rid of,” and more recently, it has been used to imply “to kill.” Since Trump is the 47th U.S. president, many construed the combined number “8647” as a call for his assassination. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem publicly accused Comey of calling for Trump’s assassination, though Comey denied any violent intent, stating he opposes violence and removed the post once he understood the controversy.
James Comey Investigated for ‘8647’ Post as Secret Service Probes Possible Threat to TrumpSecret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi stated that the agency rigorously investigates any posts that could be interpreted as threats. The FBI, led by Director Kash Patel, also acknowledged awareness of the post and said they are working with the Secret Service, which has primary jurisdiction. The investigation highlights the sensitivity around threats to the president, especially following two assassination attempts on Trump last year.
Swift Social Media Backlash Accuses Comey Of Inciting Violence Against President Trump
The social media backlash was swift, with several Trump allies accusing Comey of inciting violence. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino claimed the post was a plea to terrorists to assassinate the president during his international travel. Donald Trump Jr. also condemned Comey’s message as casually calling for his father’s murder. These reactions intensified the political tensions surrounding Comey, who remains a controversial figure.
James Comey served as FBI Director from 2013 to 2017 and was involved in several high-profile investigations, including the Clinton email probe during the 2016 presidential election. His tenure ended abruptly when President Trump fired him amid the Russia interference investigation. Comey’s legacy is marked by contentious political battles, which continue to influence public discourse and perceptions about him.