Former FBI Director James Comey has found himself at the center of a growing controversy after posting an Instagram image that many have interpreted as a veiled threat against President Donald Trump. The fallout from this post could soon rest in the hands of a newly appointed interim U.S. attorney who is closely aligned with the president.
The incident began last week when Comey shared a photo of seashells on a beach arranged to form the numbers “86 47.” While the post was captioned casually as a “cool shell formation,” the numbers sparked alarm. The term “86” is historically associated with “getting rid of” or “hitting” someone, and “47” is often understood as a reference to Trump, the 47th president of the United States.
Soon after, Comey deleted the post and issued a statement clarifying that he believed the arrangement was merely a political message, not a call to violence. He emphasized his opposition to violence and apologized for the misunderstanding. However, the damage had already been done. The Secret Service reportedly questioned Comey in a lengthy session about the post, although it remains unclear whether any formal charges will be filed.
Attention has now turned to the role of Jeanine Pirro, a former Fox News host and judge who was recently appointed interim U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia. Pirro is known as a vocal supporter of President Trump, and many speculate that she could oversee any potential prosecution of Comey if the case moves forward. The ultimate decision, however, lies with Attorney General Pam Bondi.
President Trump himself weighed in on the situation, stating in a Fox News interview that Comey was fully aware of the message his post conveyed. According to Trump, even a child would understand the implication of the numbers as a threat of assassination, particularly coming from a former FBI director.
FBI Director Kash Patel acknowledged the seriousness of the matter on social media, confirming ongoing cooperation between the FBI and the Secret Service. “We are in communication with the Secret Service and Director Curran,” Patel wrote. “Primary jurisdiction is with SS on these matters and we, the FBI, will provide all necessary support.”
The controversy also drew sharp comments from Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who strongly criticized Comey’s explanation. Gabbard asserted that it was inconceivable for someone with Comey’s background to be unaware of the violent connotations associated with the numbers. She pointed out that Comey had spent much of his career prosecuting organized crime figures, who commonly used such coded language.
Gabbard highlighted the political context behind the phrase “86 47,” noting that it had been used in recent protests against President Trump and Elon Musk as a covert call to action. She argued that this was especially alarming given the recent assassination attempts on the president’s life.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtZ3Lj-I0-g
The former FBI director has long been a figure of contention, hailed by some as a champion of law and integrity and condemned by others as politically motivated. This latest incident has further polarized public opinion, as questions swirl about the boundaries of free speech and the consequences of perceived threats against public officials.
At this point, the situation is still evolving, with the legal implications yet to be fully determined. The involvement of a Trump ally as interim U.S. attorney adds a layer of political intrigue to what could become a high-profile case.
As authorities continue their review, many are watching closely to see if charges will be brought, and how this episode might impact the broader political landscape in the months ahead.
