| Published May 17, 2025
Former FBI Director James Comey is under investigation by the U.S. Secret Service following a controversial Instagram post that some interpreted as a veiled threat against President Donald Trump. The post, which has since been deleted, featured a photograph of seashells arranged to form the numbers “86 47,” accompanied by the caption, “Cool shell formation on my beach walk.”
Trump, who has survived two assassination attempts, lambasted Comey, calling him barely competent and a “dirty cop.” He also said that a child would know what that means. Comey was the head of the nation’s most preeminent law enforcement and domestic intelligence agency—he knew what he was doing. He quickly deleted the post but is not out of the woods. The Department of Homeland Security and the Secret Service have opened investigations into this matter. The FBI is also involved. Today, federal agents visited Mr. Comey. The Secret Service will escort the ex-FBI chief to its Washington office for an interview (via NY Post):
The number “86” is slang for “to get rid of,” and “47” is believed to reference Trump as the 47th president. This combination led Trump and his supporters to interpret the post as a coded call for the president’s assassination. Trump publicly accused Comey of inciting violence, stating, “He knew exactly what that meant. A child knows what that meant.”
Comey denied any malicious intent, asserting that he was unaware of the potential connotations of the numbers and emphasizing his opposition to violence. He voluntarily met with Secret Service agents at their Washington, D.C., field office for an interview regarding the post.
The Department of Homeland Security, led by Secretary Kristi Noem, confirmed the investigation. Noem emphasized the administration’s commitment to protecting the president and indicated that the matter is being taken seriously.
Legal experts suggest that while the post was ill-advised, prosecuting Comey for making a direct threat would be challenging, as it requires proving intent to incite violence. The decision on whether to pursue charges will rest with Attorney General Pam Bondi.
This incident adds to the ongoing tension between Comey and Trump, stemming from Comey’s dismissal in 2017 during the FBI’s investigation into alleged ties between Trump’s campaign and Russia. The situation underscores the heightened political sensitivities surrounding public statements and social media posts by prominent figures.
The investigation into James Comey’s “86 47” Instagram post carries several key implications:
1. Legal Implications:
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Free Speech vs. Threats: This case may challenge the legal boundaries of free speech, determining when social media posts become prosecutable threats.
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Potential Charges: If investigators establish intent, Comey could face criminal charges, although proving intent is difficult without explicit language.
2. Political Implications:
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Reignited Trump-Comey Feud: The investigation revives the long-standing conflict between Comey and Trump, further polarizing their supporters.
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Fueling Partisan Narratives: Trump supporters may view the post as proof of hostility toward Trump, while others may see the investigation as politically motivated.
3. Security and Law Enforcement:
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Secret Service’s Proactive Stance: The investigation demonstrates the agency’s commitment to protecting former presidents from all potential threats, regardless of the source.
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Social Media Monitoring: Law enforcement may become more vigilant in monitoring public figures’ social media for coded messages.
4. Impact on Public Figures:
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Increased Social Media Caution: High-profile individuals may become more cautious with their online posts, aware of potential legal risks.
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Public Perception Risks: Misinterpreted posts could damage reputations and lead to unintended consequences.
5. Legal Precedent:
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Establishing Boundaries: If prosecuted, the case could clarify the legal threshold for social media posts as credible threats, especially for cryptic or coded language.
Overall Takeaway:
The investigation into former FBI Director James Comey’s “86 47” Instagram post underscores the volatile intersection of social media, free speech, and political tension in the United States. It highlights how even seemingly cryptic online content can spark serious security concerns and legal scrutiny, especially when involving high-profile figures. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how digital expressions by public figures are interpreted and regulated, further intensifying partisan divides and impacting public trust in institutions.
SOURCES: THE GATEWAY PUNDIT – James Comey to be Escorted by Secret Service to DC Field Office For Interview Over Trump Assassination Post
REDSTATE – Have a Seat, Director: Comey Being Interviewed by Secret Service Over ’86 47′ Post
TOWNHALL – Feds Paid a Visit to James Comey…and Escorted Him to DC Over Trump Assassination Post
FOX NEWS – Former FBI Director James Comey meets with Secret Service after controversial ’86 47′ post
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