A social media post by former FBI Director James Comey has sparked serious backlash—and a federal investigation—over what many believe was a veiled threat against President Donald Trump.
On May 15, Comey posted a photo to Instagram showing seashells arranged in the sand to read “86 47.” His caption: “Cool shell formation on my beach walk.”
James Comey just issued a call to action to murder the President of the United States.
As a former FBI Director and someone who spent most of his career prosecuting mobsters and gangsters, he knew exactly what he was doing and must be held accountable under the full force of the… pic.twitter.com/zvbu5Vf0zg
— DNI Tulsi Gabbard (@DNIGabbard) May 16, 2025
The number “86” has long been used as slang meaning to remove, get rid of, or cancel something. In more extreme interpretations, it can mean to kill, especially in criminal or military slang. “47” clearly refers to Trump’s current presidential term as the 47th President of the United States.
Put together, critics say the message looked like an invitation to “86”—or eliminate—Trump.
Within hours, the post was deleted. Comey issued a statement saying he hadn’t meant any harm and that he hadn’t arranged the shells himself.
That hasn’t stopped the fallout.
Tulsi Gabbard, Trump’s Director of National Intelligence, said Comey “should be put behind bars.”
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that both DHS and the Secret Service are investigating the situation.
Disgraced former FBI Director James Comey just called for the assassination of @POTUS Trump.
DHS and Secret Service is investigating this threat and will respond appropriately.
— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) May 15, 2025
The Secret Service stated they “vigorously investigate anything that can be taken as a potential threat against our protectees.” FBI Director Kash Patel added that the FBI is assisting in the review.
We are aware of the recent social media post by former FBI Director James Comey, directed at President Trump. We are in communication with the Secret Service and Director Curran. Primary jurisdiction is with SS on these matters and we, the FBI, will provide all necessary support.
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) May 15, 2025
The timing and the messenger are part of why this blew up so quickly.
President Trump is currently on a high-profile trip to the Middle East.
He has also survived two assassination attempts in the past year—one of which left an innocent bystander dead.
Given that, even subtle or ambiguous references to violence take on serious weight.
And then there’s Comey’s history.
He was fired by Trump in 2017 during the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.
Since then, he’s written a book sharply criticizing Trump, made the media rounds calling him “morally unfit,” and has remained a vocal opponent.
That background is why even if the “86” was meant in the softer sense—like “remove from office”—it was still reckless and inappropriate.
As former government officials go, few are more politically charged than Comey. While he claims he stumbled upon the shell arrangement, skeptics find that explanation hard to believe.
The phrase “86” has shown up in Trump’s political career before. During his first term, opponents wore pins saying “86 45,” referencing his status as the 45th president.
But some argue the circumstances are very different today. Trump has faced real threats.
His critics are no longer just disagreeing with policy—they’re, in some cases, pushing the boundaries of what’s acceptable in a political discussion.
How far is too far when political speech flirts with violence?
Comey’s defenders argue the reaction is overblown and politically motivated.
But even if that’s true, the fact remains that posting something so easily interpreted as hostile—especially by someone with his background—is irresponsible.
As of now, the investigation is ongoing. Comey hasn’t commented further, and it’s unclear whether he’ll face any consequences.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
