Former FBI Director James Comey has taken down an Instagram post after it caused strong backlash from many conservatives. The post showed seashells spelling out “86 47,” which some people took as a hidden message against former President Donald Trump.
What Does “86 47” Mean?
The number “86” is slang for removing or getting rid of something. 47" likely refers to Donald Trump, who is hoping to become the 47th president of the United States if he wins the 2024 election. Together, critics argued that the message meant “get rid of Trump,” with some seeing it as a serious threat. Donald Trump Jr. even claimed that Comey was calling for his father’s murder.
Comey Responds and Removes the Post
Comey quickly replied, saying he didn’t mean to cause any trouble. He explained that he simply found the shells on a beach walk and thought someone had left a creative message. He added, “I didn’t know those numbers could be seen as violent. I’m strongly against violence, so I removed the post.”
Federal Investigation Begins
After the post went viral, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accused Comey of making a threat against Trump. She said that the Department of Homeland Security and the Secret Service are both looking into the situation. The Secret Service also confirmed they are reviewing the post and treat all potential threats seriously.
Law Enforcement and Officials React
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that the agency is aware of the post and is ready to help the Secret Service if needed. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard also gave a strong reaction during a Fox News interview, saying Comey should be held accountable. She questioned how someone with Comey's experience could post something so easily misunderstood and said Trump’s safety must be protected.
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.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) May 15, 2025
"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
Comey’s History With Trump
Comey led the FBI from 2013 to 2017. He was fired by Trump during a time of political tension, especially due to investigations into Russia’s role in the 2016 election and Hillary Clinton’s emails. Since his dismissal, Comey has openly criticized Trump, and Trump has also regularly attacked him in public.
What Happens Next?
The situation is still unfolding. Comey says the post was misunderstood, but others believe it may have had deeper meaning. As federal agencies investigate further, this simple Instagram post could lead to more serious consequences in the days ahead.
