Former FBI Director James Comey is under investigation by the Secret Service after a now-deleted Instagram post sparked outrage among allies of President Donald Trump.
The controversy centers around a photo of seashells Comey arranged to form the numbers “8647,” which some interpreted as a coded threat aimed at the president.
The image, shared with the caption “Cool shell formation on my beach walk,” quickly drew accusations from Republican leaders, who pointed out that the number 86 is sometimes used as slang for “to eliminate” or “to kill,” while 47 is a reference to Trump as the 47th President of the United States.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem claimed the post was a veiled call for violence, going as far as accusing Comey of encouraging an assassination attempt. Comey, however, denied any malicious intent and said he had no knowledge of the number’s controversial connotations. He took the post down and clarified that he opposes violence of any kind.
The Secret Service acknowledged the incident and confirmed that they are taking the matter seriously. A spokesperson said that all rhetoric perceived as potential threats against the president is thoroughly investigated. The agency has not provided further details about the scope or progress of the inquiry.
Current FBI Director Kash Patel stated that his agency is aware of the post and is coordinating with the Secret Service. While the Secret Service has primary responsibility for protecting the president, the FBI has offered its full support.
Comey’s brief statement following the backlash suggested the post was intended as a lighthearted observation from a walk on the beach and not a political message. He expressed surprise at the interpretation of the numbers and said he removed the post to avoid further misunderstanding.
The issue has reignited political tensions, particularly among Trump supporters, many of whom have accused Comey of harboring animosity toward the president since his firing in 2017. That dismissal came amid the FBI’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, a probe that put both men in direct conflict.
Prominent Republicans, including Donald Trump Jr., criticized Comey on social media, accusing him of indirectly inciting violence against the president during his current visit to the Middle East.
Comey’s tenure at the FBI was marked by controversy, including his decision to publicly reopen the Hillary Clinton email investigation just days before the 2016 election. His removal from the agency remains a defining moment of Trump’s presidency and a turning point in the broader political feud between the two men.
As of now, there is no indication that Comey will face criminal charges, but the investigation reflects the high level of sensitivity surrounding public figures’ statements, especially those directed at the sitting president. The case continues to unfold as officials review the post and assess its potential impact.