The Secret Service has launched an investigation into former FBI Director James Comey after post on Instagram that many interpreted as threat against President Donald Trump.
The controversial photo, which Comey has since deleted, showed the numbers “86 47” spelled out in seashells along the beach. He captioned the image: “Cool shell formation on my beach walk…” To the casual observer, the post may seem innocuous. But critics—including members of Congress and officials close to the White House—were quick to point out the disturbing implications.
Former FBI Director James Comey posts "86 47" threat against Trump on Instagram post.
— Resist Times (@resistupdates) May 16, 2025
Current FBI Director Kash Patel says Secret Service agents will be paying Comey a visit about the post. pic.twitter.com/H23CZQHUDu
In law enforcement slang, “86” has long been used to mean “eliminate” or “get rid of.” And “47” is a reference to the 47th president—President Trump, who returned to office in 2025 following a historic reelection campaign.
The implication was not subtle to many observers: “86 47” could easily be read as a coded call to harm or even kill the sitting President of the United States.
A Dangerous Message, Posted in Plain Sight
Comey’s post sparked immediate backlash, especially considering Trump has already survived two assassination attempts in the past year.
One of those incidents resulted in the President being shot and a bystander losing their life. In this tense climate, what some might try to pass off as a joke or coincidence becomes a serious national security concern.
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich condemned the post as “deeply concerning,” especially given President Trump is currently abroad on an official diplomatic trip in the Middle East.
“While President Trump is currently on an international trip to the Middle East, the former FBI Director puts out what can clearly be interpreted as ‘a hit’ on the sitting President of the United States—a message etched in the sand,” Budowich wrote in a statement on X (formerly Twitter). “This is deeply concerning to all of us and is being taken seriously.”
Comey Responds as Pressure Mounts
Following intense backlash, including calls for his arrest, Comey deleted the post and issued a response on Instagram attempting to walk back the message.
“I posted earlier a picture of some shells I saw today on a beach walk, which I assumed were a political message,” Comey wrote. “I didn’t realize some folks associate those numbers with violence. It never occurred to me but I oppose violence of any kind so I took the post down.”
But that explanation has done little to calm the storm. A source told Fox News Digital that the Secret Service is aware of the situation and is dispatching agents to interview Comey as part of an official investigation.
The FBI, where Comey once served as director before being fired by President Trump, had no public comment. However, current FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that top agency officials were aware of the incident.
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
“We are in communication with the Secret Service and Director Curran,” Patel said. “Primary jurisdiction is with SS on these matters and we, the FBI, will provide all necessary support.”
Pattern of Political Rhetoric Crossing the Line
This isn’t the first time high-profile figures have faced scrutiny for remarks or symbolism interpreted as promoting violence against President Trump. In 2020, comedian John Mulaney was investigated by the FBI after joking during a Saturday Night Live monologue about bringing back the Roman tradition of stabbing powerful leaders—clearly referencing Julius Caesar and drawing a parallel to Trump.
“Another thing that happened under Julius Caesar—he was such a powerful maniac that all the senators grabbed knives, and they stabbed him to death. That would be an interesting thing if we brought that back now,” Mulaney said to applause and laughter from a live audience.
While those on the political left often dismiss such statements as humor or metaphor, critics argue that these remarks—especially from influential public figures like Comey—create a dangerous environment, especially in a time of already-heightened political violence.
Calls for Accountability
Representative Tim Burchett (R-TN), a staunch Trump ally, is among those calling for legal action against Comey. “This kind of behavior cannot go unchecked,” Burchett said. “When a former top law enforcement official posts something that can be read as encouraging harm to the President, there needs to be consequences.”
The director of the Department of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard when asked by Fox News James if there should be taken any legal actions against Comey she expressed, “I do… Comey, in my view, should be held accountable and put behind bars for this”
Jesse Watters: "Do you believe Comey should be in jail?"
— Resist Times (@resistupdates) May 16, 2025
DNI director @TulsiGabbard: "I do… Comey, in my view, should be held accountable and put behind bars for this" pic.twitter.com/41k7XxO3pH
The investigation is still in its early stages, but the implications are serious. Whether or not Comey intended to incite violence, the fact remains that a message widely interpreted as a threat was posted publicly by a man who once held one of the most powerful law enforcement positions in the country.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for further updates.