Former FBI Director James Comey has found himself in hot water after posting a mysterious photo on Instagram that many interpreted as a threatening message against former President Donald Trump.
The post quickly ignited a firestorm of criticism and prompted official investigations into whether it implied violence toward Trump.
What Was in the Instagram Post That Caused Outrage
On Thursday afternoon, Comey shared a photo showing an arrangement of shells on a beach spelling out the numbers “86 47.” While it seemed cryptic to some, these numbers have a loaded meaning in certain circles.
The number “86” is slang for “to kill” or “to get rid of,” often thought to reference the size of a grave—eight feet long by six feet deep.
Meanwhile, Trump being the 47th president makes “47” a clear nod to him. Put together, many saw it as a call for Trump’s assassination or elimination.
Officials and Supporters React Strongly to the Post
The reaction was swift and fierce. Kristi Noem, the Department of Homeland Security secretary, took to X (formerly Twitter) condemning Comey and confirming that the DHS and Secret Service were investigating the post as a potential threat.
Others in Trump’s circle also weighed in. Donald Trump Jr. expressed shock and disgust, calling Comey “demented” for seemingly advocating for his father’s murder.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the FBI was aware of the post and working with the Secret Service to assess the situation.
Comey Claims It Was a Misunderstanding
By Thursday night, Comey released a statement claiming the post was an honest mistake.
He explained that he found the shells during a beach walk and thought they might represent a political message but was unaware of any violent connotations.
He stressed his opposition to violence and said he removed the post once he realized the potential implications.
Different Interpretations of the Numbers Spark Debate
Supporters of Comey argue that “86” more commonly means “to throw out” or “discard,” and that the message was simply about wanting Trump to be removed from office, possibly through impeachment rather than violence.
This softer interpretation contrasts sharply with how many on the right perceived it.
The Context of Past Threats Against Trump Heightens Concern
This controversy comes at a tense time given the history of threats against Trump.
During his last campaign, Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania when a bullet grazed his ear.
There was also a foiled plot by Iran to target him.
Taylor Budowich, White House Deputy Chief of Staff, highlighted the seriousness of the situation, especially since Trump was traveling in the Middle East at the time.
He described the post as a “hit” on the president and said officials were treating the matter with urgency.
Public and Media Reaction Amplifies the Story
Right-wing commentators like Meghan McCain didn’t mince words, calling Comey’s post a clear threat and saying it should at least warrant a Secret Service visit.
Meanwhile, the controversy made “Comey” the most trending word on X that evening, with over 200,000 mentions.
A Look Back at Comey’s FBI Tenure and Fallout with Trump
James Comey led the FBI from 2013 until his firing by Trump in 2017.
The dismissal sparked a bitter feud, with Comey leaking memos about his meetings with Trump and becoming a vocal critic of the former president.
His departure email showed a professional acceptance of the firing but hinted at lingering disappointment.