Former FBI Director James Comey is under scrutiny for an Instagram post showing seashells arranged as “86 47,” interpreted by some as a coded threat against Donald Trump, the 47th president. “86” is slang for “kill.” Comey deleted the post and claimed he hadn’t realized the violent implications. Despite this, the Secret Service interviewed him for over an hour.
The decision to pursue charges lies with Attorney General Pam Bondi, while Jeanine Pirro, recently appointed interim U.S. attorney for D.C., could lead prosecution. Trump asserted Comey knew exactly what the message implied. FBI Director Kash Patel and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard both expressed grave concern, with Gabbard calling the post a veiled assassination threat. She noted the slogan “86 47” had recently been used by anti-Trump activists, suggesting Comey was aware of its significance. Critics argue that Comey, once heralded as a figure of integrity, is now dangerously undermining public trust by posting such a message.
