Former FBI Director James Comey Questioned Over Controversial Instagram Post
The U.S. Secret Service has interviewed former FBI Director James Comey following an Instagram post that drew accusations from Republican figures, who allege it implied a threat against former President Donald Trump.
The post, made by Comey—who led the FBI from 2013 until he was dismissed by Trump in 2017—featured a photograph of seashells arranged to resemble the numbers “86 47.” The image was accompanied by the caption: “Cool shell formation on my beach walk.”
Decoding “86 47”
The numbers quickly sparked controversy. In American slang, “86” is often used as a verb meaning to eject or eliminate—typically in restaurant or bar settings. However, it has also been interpreted in some contexts to mean “to kill,” though this usage remains relatively obscure, according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary.
The second number, “47,” has been widely interpreted as a reference to Donald Trump, who is campaigning to become the 47th President of the United States in the 2024 election.
Some critics allege that “86 47” constitutes a coded message calling for Trump’s assassination or violent removal, a claim that has ignited political and public backlash.
Political Fallout
The post was condemned by multiple Republican figures, including Donald Trump Jr., who accused Comey of “casually calling for my dad to be murdered.” Former President Trump himself dismissed Comey’s explanation, telling Fox News: “He understood exactly what that meant. A child understands that it meant assassination.”
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich called the post “deeply concerning,” adding, “This is being taken seriously.” Another official, James Blair, described it as a “clarion call to terrorists and hostile regimes to kill the President of the United States as he travels in the Middle East.”
Comey Responds
Following the uproar, Comey deleted the post and issued a clarification:
“I had no idea that some people connected those figures to violence. I never thought of it, but I’m against all forms of violence, so I removed the post.”
Despite his explanation, skepticism remains. Some officials question the sincerity of his response, while others demand further investigation.
Ongoing Investigation
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that Comey had been interviewed as part of an ongoing investigation but did not comment on whether further action would be taken.
As the Department of Homeland Security oversees the Secret Service, which is responsible for protecting current and former U.S. presidents, the matter remains under federal review.