Introduction
Former FBI Director James Comey is currently under investigation by the Secret Service following a controversial social media post. Comey shared and later deleted an Instagram photo of seashells arranged to form the number “8647,” which some interpreted as a coded threat against then-President Donald Trump.
The Controversial Seashell Photo
The number “86” is slang for “to get rid of” or “to kill,” while “47” refers to Trump as the 47th president. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and other Republican figures claimed the photo was an incitement to violence against Trump. Comey denied any violent intent and removed the post, stating he opposes violence.
Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi confirmed the investigation, saying the agency “vigorously investigates anything that can be taken as a potential threat against our protectees.”
Read more about the secret service protocols on investigating threats here.
Reactions from Political Figures
The post triggered strong reactions from politicians and members of the Trump administration. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino accused Comey of calling for the assassination of the president during his Middle East tour. Donald Trump Jr. echoed similar sentiments on social media.
Background on James Comey
James Comey served as FBI Director from 2013 to 2017. His tenure was marked by high-profile investigations, including the inquiry into Hillary Clinton’s emails and the Russia election interference probe. Comey was dismissed by Trump in 2017, sparking a long-standing feud between the two.
Ongoing Investigations and FBI Involvement
Current FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the FBI is aware of the post and cooperating with the Secret Service. Homeland Security is also involved in investigating the implications of the social media message.
Conclusion
The James Comey seashell photo controversy underscores the increasing scrutiny over political messaging on social media and the sensitive nature of security threats against public officials. As investigations continue, this incident raises important questions about free speech, political expression, and national security.
For more on social media controversies involving political figures, check out our related articles and explore how law enforcement agencies manage threats at Secret Service official site.