Trump Slams Comey Over Controversial “8647” Post, Calls It a Threat

Former FBI Director faces backlash and federal probe over cryptic seashell 8647 photo as Trump accuses him of inciting violence

Washington DC [US], May 17: Former President Donald Trump has lashed out at James Comey, claiming the former FBI Director’s now-deleted Instagram post was a thinly veiled threat on his life. The post in question showed seashells spelling out “8647,” a number that many interpreted as coded language suggesting violence against Trump.

In an interview with Fox News’ “Special Report with Bret Baier”, Trump dismissed Comey’s explanation, stating, “He knew exactly what that meant. A child knows what that meant… That meant assassination. He apologised only because he was caught. He’s a very bad guy.”

Comey’s post, shared with the caption “Cool shell formation on my beach walk,” drew widespread attention for its symbolism. The number “86” is commonly used as slang for “getting rid of,” while “47” references Trump as the 47th President of the United States.

Members of the Trump camp, including Donald Trump Jr., interpreted the post as an implicit call for violence. “Just James Comey casually calling for my dad to be murdered. This is who the Dem-media worships. Demented,” Trump Jr. posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also condemned the post, calling it “a direct threat” to the President. “DHS and the Secret Service are investigating this threat and will respond appropriately,” she wrote on X.

The FBI, under Director Kash Patel, confirmed it is supporting the U.S. Secret Service in its investigation. Patel added, “We are aware of the recent social media post… and are in communication with the Secret Service and Director [Kimberly] Cheatle. We will provide all necessary support.”

Comey later issued a public clarification via Instagram:

“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 served as FBI Director from 2013 to 2017, oversaw high-profile investigations into Russian election interference and Hillary Clinton’s emails. He was fired by Trump during the early months of his administration, setting off years of political tension.

While the numbers “8647” may remain open to interpretation, the fallout from the post has reignited long-standing hostilities between Trump allies and Comey, once again placing the former FBI chief in the political spotlight.