Tensions are flaring up.
The U.S. Secret Service has launched an investigation after former FBI Director James Comey shared an Instagram post that many interpreted as a veiled threat against the current president. The post, which featured seashells arranged to display the numbers “86 47” on a beach, sparked immediate criticism from White House officials and others who viewed it as potentially inciting violence. Comey later removed the image following a wave of public and political backlash.
The controversy centers on the interpretation of the numbers. In slang, “86” can suggest eliminating or getting rid of someone, while “47” has been linked to the 47th President of the United States. Critics, including government officials and former President Donald Trump’s son, argued that the post was suggestive of a threat, especially given past assassination attempts on Trump, one of which left him injured and a bystander dead.
Comey addressed the criticism in a follow-up post, claiming he had not intended to convey any violent message. He said he noticed the shell arrangement during a beach walk and thought it was a political statement but was unaware of the numbers’ associations with violence. He emphasized his opposition to violence and explained that this was why he chose to remove the post.
Sources confirmed the Secret Service is actively looking into the matter and plans to interview Comey. While the FBI declined to comment officially, officials within the bureau are reportedly aware of the incident. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed coordination with the Secret Service and pledged the FBI’s support in the ongoing investigation.
The situation drew comparisons to a previous case involving comedian John Mulaney, who was investigated by the FBI in 2020 after making a joke about Julius Caesar’s assassination that some interpreted as a veiled threat to Trump. The White House quickly condemned Comey’s post, with top officials calling it “deeply concerning.” Representative Tim Burchett of Tennessee went further, demanding that Comey be arrested over the post.
