Former FBI Director James Comey Under Investigation After Posting “8647” Image: Alleged Threat to Trump Sparks Outrage. James Comey has come under intense scrutiny after posting a controversial photo on Instagram that appeared to spell out the numbers “8647” using seashells on a beach. Though he captioned the post innocuously “cool shell formation on my beach walk” critics say the numbers carry a disturbing message: a coded call to eliminate President Donald Trump, the 47th President of the United States.
James Comey Under Investigation After Posting “8647” Image: Alleged Threat to Trump Sparks Outrage
What Does “8647” Mean? Slang and Political Interpretation Collide
Former FBI Director James Comey Sparks Firestorm Over Instagram Post Interpreted as Threat to President Trump. The controversy stems from the combined interpretation of two numbers:
- “86” is well-known American slang for “get rid of,” “eject,” or in more extreme interpretations, “kill.”
- “47” is widely associated with Donald Trump, who is serving as the 47th President of the United States.
Thus, “8647” has been interpreted by many, particularly conservative figures and commentators, as a thinly veiled call to “eliminate 47,” or President Trump.
This interpretation has led to outrage across social media and prompted official investigations by the Secret Service and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Secret Service and DHS Investigating Possible Threat
Following the backlash, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that both DHS and the Secret Service are actively investigating the now-deleted post.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Noem wrote, “Disgraced former FBI Director James Comey just called for the assassination of POTUS Trump. DHS and Secret Service is investigating this threat and will respond appropriately.”
Anthony Guglielmi, Chief of Communications for the Secret Service, added, “We vigorously investigate anything that can be taken as a potential threat against our protectees… we take rhetoric like this very seriously.
”FBI Director Kash Patel also weighed in, confirming that the FBI is coordinating with the Secret Service and “will provide all necessary support” to the investigation.
Comey Deletes Post, Denies Violent Intent
In the wake of mounting criticism, Comey removed the Instagram post and issued a statement:
“I posted earlier a picture of some shells I saw today on a beach walk, which I assumed were a political message. 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.”
However, critics have cast doubt on this explanation. Donald Trump Jr. called the post a “call for murder,” while White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino claimed it was a “plea to terrorists” as Trump tours the Middle East.
Republican Leaders Demand Accountability
Congressman Andy Ogles sent a formal letter urging a federal investigation into potential criminal violations.
He also questioned whether Comey still retains any security clearance or access to classified materials, given his former position as FBI Director.
Former Democratic congresswoman turned intelligence commentator Tulsi Gabbard stated on Fox News that Comey should be “jailed” over the post, noting that Trump has already survived two assassination attempts and that such messages must not be taken lightly.
Social Media Backlash: A Divided Response
The post has fueled a firestorm on social media, with hashtags like #8647, #ComeyThreat, and #TrumpAssassinationPlot trending.
Critics accused Comey of “knowing exactly what he was doing”, with some users highlighting that the 8647 code has been circulating in extremist circles for months.
Others questioned how someone with Comey’s background in law enforcement and intelligence could be unaware of the potential implications.
“He expects us to believe that a man who led the FBI doesn’t know what ‘86’ means in mafia or gang code?” one user posted. “I don’t buy it.”
Comey’s Controversial Legacy Adds Fuel to the Fire
James Comey’s tenure at the FBI has long been mired in controversy. He oversaw both the investigation into Hillary Clinton’s emails and the Trump-Russia probe before being fired by Trump in May 2017.
He has since become a vocal critic of Trump and has authored several books, including a forthcoming crime novel titled “FDR Drive”, due out May 20, 2025.
Comey is now being accused of using his public platform to push dangerous political messaging, whether intentionally or not.
Conclusion: Political Climate Reaches New Flashpoint
The “8647” post has not only revived tensions between Trump supporters and establishment critics like Comey, but also raised fresh concerns about how coded language and symbols can potentially be used or misused on social media by public figures.
While Comey insists his post was innocent, federal authorities are taking no chances. With President Trump currently traveling internationally, the situation is being treated as a serious national security concern.
This incident highlights the volatile intersection of politics, symbolism, and social media, and underscores the heightened sensitivity around public discourse in a deeply polarized nation.
Also Read: Was ex-FBI chief Comey’s ’86 47′ post calling for Trump assassination?
