Former FBI Director faces backlash and investigation after posting 8647 seashell arrangement interpreted as veiled threat toward the 47th U.S. President.
Washington, D.C. | May 16:
The U.S. Secret Service has launched an official investigation into former FBI Director James Comey following a now-deleted Instagram post that some interpreted as a coded threat against former President Donald Trump. The post featured an image of seashells arranged in the formation “8647” — a sequence raising alarms due to its perceived hidden message.
The number “86” is commonly used as slang for elimination or removal, while “47” is believed to reference Trump, who would be the 47th President of the United States if re-elected. The caption read, “Cool shell formation on my beach walk,” which many interpreted as a veiled allusion to inciting harm against Trump.
The controversial post has drawn sharp criticism from Trump supporters and officials. Donald Trump Jr. accused Comey of “casually calling for my dad to be murdered,” adding, “This is who the Dem-Media worships. Demented.” Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem also denounced Comey, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “DHS and Secret Service are actively investigating the threat and will respond appropriately.”
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the bureau is supporting the investigation, stating, “We are in communication with the Secret Service and Director Curran. Primary jurisdiction is with SS on these matters, and the FBI will provide all necessary support.”
Comey later issued a clarification, claiming no ill intent behind the post. In a follow-up statement, he wrote:
“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.”
Comey, who was fired by Trump in 2017 during his first term, is a polarizing figure in American politics. He previously oversaw major investigations into Russia’s election interference and Hillary Clinton’s emails — probes that concluded without criminal charges but stirred political controversy across party lines.
While the intent of the post remains debated, the Secret Service’s involvement underscores the seriousness with which any perceived threat against a U.S. president is treated, particularly in today’s volatile political climate.