A seemingly innocent Instagram post by former FBI Director James Comey has unleashed a political firestorm. On 15 May 2025, Comey shared a photo of seashells arranged to spell “8647” on a beach. Captioned “cool shell formation on my beach walk,” the post quickly drew ire from Trump supporters. They interpreted it as a veiled threat against President Donald Trump, the 47th US president. The number “86,” slang for “get rid of” or, in some contexts, “kill,” paired with “47,” fuelled the controversy.
The post that sparked outrage
Comey’s post, shared on Thursday, spread rapidly across social media. Screenshots circulated as Trump allies cried foul. Donald Trump Jr. posted on X, calling it “demented” and accusing Comey of advocating for his father’s murder. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem escalated the rhetoric, claiming on X that Comey “called for the assassination of POTUS Trump.” She confirmed that the Department of Homeland Security and Secret Service were investigating.
The slang term “86” originates from 1930s soda bars, meaning “sold out” or “remove.” Merriam-Webster notes its modern, rare use as “to kill” but does not officially recognise this definition. The number “47” directly references Trump’s current presidency. Critics argued the combination was a coded call to harm Trump, especially after two recent assassination attempts on his life.
Comey’s swift backtrack
By Friday, 16 May 2025, Comey deleted the post amid mounting backlash. In a follow-up Instagram statement, he clarified his intent. “I assumed it was a political message,” he wrote. “I didn’t realise some folks associate those numbers with violence. I oppose violence of any kind, so I took the post down.” His explanation did little to quell the outrage in a polarised political climate.
Comey, fired by Trump in 2017, has a fraught history with the president. His tenure as FBI Director included contentious probes into Hillary Clinton’s emails and Trump’s Russia ties. To Trump supporters, Comey embodies the “deep state” working against their leader. This history amplified the controversy.
Official response and investigations
FBI Director Kash Patel addressed the issue on 16 May 2025. In a statement posted on X, he confirmed the FBI’s coordination with the Secret Service. “We are aware of the recent social media post by former FBI Director James Comey, directed at President Trump,” Patel said. “Primary jurisdiction is with the Secret Service, and we, the FBI, will provide all necessary support.”
The Secret Service, tasked with protecting the president, launched a formal investigation. A spokesperson told CNN, “We vigorously investigate anything that can be taken as a potential threat against our protectees.” Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard went further, declaring on Fox News that Comey should be jailed. “I’m very concerned for [Trump’s] life,” she said, citing his prior assassination attempts.
President Trump himself weighed in on 16 May 2025. In a Fox News interview with Bret Baier, he called Comey a “dirty cop.” He insisted, “A child knows what that meant. It says assassination loud and clear.” Trump left any prosecution decision to Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Political fallout and public reaction
The “8647” controversy has deepened divisions. Trump allies, including Elon Musk, condemned Comey. Musk posted on X, “Advocating murder of the President is a serious crime.” Far-right activist Laura Loomer and Arizona Representative Andy Biggs echoed the sentiment. House Speaker Mike Johnson noted the gravity, referencing Trump’s recent assassination attempts.
Comey’s defenders argue the outrage is overblown. They claim the post was misinterpreted and the violent connotation far-fetched. Legal experts question whether the post constitutes a criminal threat. In a post-January 6 world, however, even vague insinuations spark alarm.
A long-standing feud
The incident cannot be separated from Comey’s history with Trump. Appointed FBI Director in 2013 by Barack Obama, Comey navigated turbulent investigations. His 2016 decision not to charge Clinton over her email server drew bipartisan criticism. His later role in the Trump-Russia probe cemented his status as a MAGA villain. Patel, a Trump loyalist, has long targeted Comey, even depicting him as a conspirator in a 2022 children’s book, The Plot Against the King.
As investigations unfold, the “8647” saga underscores the volatile intersection of social media, politics, and security. Whether Comey’s post was a misstep or something more remains under scrutiny.
