Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton (R-AR) has officially urged FBI Director Kash Patel to initiate an investigation into former FBI Director James Comey. This request follows a mysterious social media post that stated “86 47,” which many interpreted as a possible threat directed at President Donald Trump.
Comey, who held the position of FBI director after his appointment by former President Barack Obama until his dismissal by Trump in 2017, posted a photo on Instagram on Thursday. The image depicted seashells arranged to form the numbers “86 47.”
The term 86 is frequently utilized in both the hospitality sector and within military and intelligence circles. It can signify the cancellation of an order or refer to the act of “killing, murdering, or executing judicially,” as defined by Cassell’s Dictionary of Slang.
After facing allegations that he was advocating for the assassination of the president, Comey removed the post in question and issued the following apology, which has been entirely dismissed by Trump and many of his supporters: “Earlier, I shared a picture of some shells I encountered during a beach walk, which I presumed conveyed a political message. I was unaware that some individuals associate those numbers with violence. It never crossed my mind, but I am against any form of violence, so I decided to take the post down.”
Patel later revealed that he had been informed about Comey’s questionable post, indicating that his bureau is “in communication” with the Secret Service and Director Sean Curran. Reports suggest that Comey has been interrogated by the Secret Service, but the results of those discussions remain uncertain.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced on X that the Department of Homeland Security and the Secret Service are currently “investigating this threat and will respond appropriately.”
As initially reported by Breitbart News, Cotton dispatched a letter on Friday to Patel, requesting a review of all FBI actions “in which former Director James Comey was personally involved.”
Cotton’s correspondence further emphasized that Comey has “politicized investigations, been at the center of leaks, and clearly demonstrated bias against the Trump administration and its supporters.” The Arkansas Republican subsequently referenced Trump’s own reaction to Comey’s initial post, wherein he stated that “86 47” was an indication of “an assassination.”
“He understood what that signified,” Trump remarked to host Bret Baier on Friday. “A child comprehends what that signified. If you are the FBI director and are unaware of what that signified, it indicated assassination, and it is stated loud and clear. He was not particularly competent, yet competent enough to grasp what that signified. He acted for a reason and faced significant backlash because individuals like me and those who appreciated what was occurring in our country. All of this, he is suggesting an assassination of the president.
Trump remarked, “I do not wish to take a stance on this matter; it will be up to Pam [Bondi] and all the excellent individuals involved. I must express that I believe it is a dreadful situation. Considering his background, if he had a clean record, which he does not, he is a corrupt officer. If he had a clean record, I could comprehend if leniency were granted; I will allow them to make that choice.”
Cotton’s correspondence referenced Trump, highlighting that “in the words of President Trump, ‘he knew exactly what it meant.’”
Cotton also expressed gratitude to the Secret Service for their swift action regarding the perceived threat.
A congressional source informed Brietbart: “James Comey is facing subpoenas, and should he fail to comply, he may encounter criminal charges. Republicans in Congress are not going to overlook this.”
“Fortunately, President Trump has supporters like Tom Cotton who will confront the unhinged and disgraced James Comey,” stated another source.
