James Comey, the former FBI Director, is under fire from Republicans after a now-deleted Instagram post that they say encouraged violence against Donald Trump.
On Thursday, Comey posted a photo of seashells arranged to spell “8647” on a beach. He captioned it: “cool shell formation on my beachwalk.”
The number “86,” according to Merriam-Webster, can mean “eject,” “dismiss,” or “get rid of someone.” Republicans saw it as a coded message to eliminate Trump, as he’s the 47th president.
“DHS and Secret Service is investigating this threat and will respond appropriately,” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem posted on X.
FBI Director Kash Patel said his agency was “in touch with the Secret Service” and ready to help.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard took it even further on Fox News, saying: “I’m very concerned for the president’s life,” she said. “We’ve already seen assassination attempts… James Comey, in my view, should be held accountable and put behind bars for this.”
Comey removed the post hours later and released a statement claiming he didn’t intend to send a political message, saying he hadn’t realized “some folks associate those numbers with violence.”
But the damage was done.
Donald Trump Jr. blasted the post, writing: “Just James Comey causally calling for my dad to be murdered. This is who the Dem-Media worships. Demented!!!!”
House Speaker Mike Johnson said the message was clear and dangerous.
“President Trump has already survived TWO assassination attempts,” Johnson posted. “Now, former disgraced FBI director James Comey is either threatening to kill Donald Trump or suggesting someone should. This is as outrageous as it is dangerous.”
The backlash came swiftly across the conservative spectrum. Meghan McCain, Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ), and right-wing activist Laura Loomer all blasted Comey’s post.
Chris LaCivita, a senior Trump campaign advisor, wrote: “I’d raid his f****ing house.”
