Kash Patel Releases Statement Following Social Media Post From Former FBI Director
Former FBI Director James Comey is facing withering criticism and calls for federal investigation following an eyebrow-raising Instagram post many interpreted as a thinly veiled threat against President Donald Trump. Comey's now-deleted photo, depicting seashells arranged into the numbers “86” and “47,” ignited a firestorm of bipartisan concern, ranging from accusations of incitement to calls for criminal accountability.
NEW: James Comey deletes his "8647" post from Instagram and posts a "clarification" post, claims he had no clue the numbers were associated with violence.
"I didn't realize some folks associate those numbers with violence ..."
This guy is such a dork and a fraud. Insane how he… pic.twitter.com/D79ro9VzJH
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) May 15, 2025
The photo, captioned innocently as “Cool shell formation on my beach walk,” may have seemed harmless at first glance. But “86” has long been used as slang for eliminating or killing someone, and “47” is a clear reference to Trump’s position as the 47th president. The implication? To “86” number 47—an ominous message made even more chilling in light of past assassination attempts on Trump.
Critics didn’t hesitate to connect the dots.
Donald Trump Jr. called the post “demented,” suggesting it was a clear incitement against his father. U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn and Tommy Tuberville both called for immediate action, with Tuberville labeling the post a “direct threat” and demanding that Comey “face consequences.” Even Meghan McCain, no stranger to breaking with partisan ranks, decried the message as something that could only be interpreted as “a threat against President Trump.”
We are aware of the recent social media post by former FBI Director James Comey, directed at President Trump. We are in communication with the Secret Service and Director Curran. Primary jurisdiction is with SS on these matters and we, the FBI, will provide all necessary support.
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) May 15, 2025
Current FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that the Bureau is aware of the post and has engaged with the Secret Service. “Primary jurisdiction is with SS on these matters,” he said, adding that the FBI would support the investigation fully. According to reports, the Secret Service is indeed probing the matter to determine whether Comey's actions crossed the legal line.
For many, Comey's explanation—that he merely stumbled upon the shells already arranged in that formation—isn’t passing the smell test. As Greg Price noted: “Yes, I’m sure the guy who once ran the FBI was just clueless on this one.” The idea that a former top law enforcement official with decades of experience in symbolism, coded threats, and public communication would not recognize the implications of “86 47” is raising serious doubts.
So the former director of the FBI wants us to believe he just stumbled across some already-arranged seashells and didn’t know “86” could mean to kill someone?
That’s what he’s going with?
— Bonchie (@bonchieredstate) May 15, 2025
This incident is further amplified by context. Trump has already survived two assassination attempts—making any veiled suggestion of violence, even symbolic, dangerously irresponsible. That the message came from a man who once oversaw the nation’s leading investigative agency only intensifies the backlash.
Comey's attempt to distance himself from the post hasn’t helped his case. While he insisted he opposes “violence of any kind,” critics argue that his behavior reflects, at best, poor judgment, and at worst, an intentional wink to those who would do harm.