Secret Service Probing Comey’s Social Media Post After GOP Claims Hidden Threat Against Trump

WASHINGTON — A social media post by former FBI Director James Comey is drawing intense scrutiny from the Trump administration and has triggered a federal investigation, according to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

Comey posted a photo on Instagram showing a group of seashells arranged to resemble the numbers “86 47”, along with the caption: “Cool shell formation on my beach walk.”

While it may have appeared harmless to some, several Trump officials and conservative commentators say the numbers imply a threat against Donald Trump, the 47th president of the United States. In slang, “86” can mean “to eliminate” or “get rid of,” and some interpreted the full message as a veiled call for Trump’s assassination.

“DHS and Secret Service is investigating this threat and will respond appropriately,” Noem posted, echoing a wave of GOP outrage.

Comey Responds: “I Oppose Violence”

The backlash prompted Comey to delete the post and clarify his intentions.

“I posted earlier a picture of some shells I saw today on a beach walk, which I assumed were a political message,” Comey wrote in a follow-up. “It never occurred to me [the numbers] might be associated with violence, but I oppose violence of any kind, so I took the post down.”

Comey, who led the FBI from 2013 until his controversial firing by Trump in 2017, is currently a crime novelist. His latest book, FDR Drive, is set for release this Tuesday.

Conservative Figures Sound the Alarm

The post ignited a firestorm among conservatives. Donald Trump Jr. accused Comey of calling for his father’s death, while others claimed the message endangered the president during his current trip to the Middle East.

James Blair, a White House deputy chief of staff, called the post a “Clarion Call” to terrorists and hostile regimes, warning that it could be interpreted as incitement against the president abroad.

Current FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed he is aware of the situation and is coordinating with the Secret Service on next steps.

What’s in a Number?

The controversy hinges on interpretation. According to Merriam-Webster, “86” is a slang term typically used to mean “to throw out” or “refuse service,” but some modern usages have stretched it to include “to kill” — though that meaning remains rare and unofficial.

Whether Comey’s post was intentional or simply an unfortunate coincidence, the situation highlights the charged political climate and the sensitivity surrounding any suggestion of harm toward national leaders.