Ex-FBI Director Comey Investigated Over Instagram Post

May 2025 — Former FBI Director James Comey is facing scrutiny from the U.S. Secret Service after posting — and swiftly deleting — a photo on Instagram that some Republican figures claim implied a violent threat against former President Donald Trump.

The post featured a seemingly innocuous image of seashells arranged to spell out the number "8647", which Comey captioned: "Cool shell formation on my beach walk." But critics, including prominent GOP officials, claim the message carried a darker subtext.

According to Merriam-Webster, "86" can be slang for getting rid of someone — or in more extreme interpretations, to kill. Combined with “47” — Trump being the 47th president of the United States — critics alleged the image was a veiled call for violence.

Officials Respond Swiftly to Possible Threat

In a public statement on X (formerly Twitter), Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi confirmed the agency is investigating:

"We vigorously investigate anything that can be taken as a potential threat against our protectees. We are aware of the social media posts by the former FBI Director & we take rhetoric like this very seriously."

Comey removed the photo shortly after posting, stating that he did not intend to convey any threat:

“I assumed they [the seashells] were a political message. I didn’t realize some folks associate those numbers with violence. It never occurred to me, but I oppose violence of any kind so I took the post down.”

Political Fallout and Online Outrage

The post triggered backlash from conservative leaders and Trump allies, with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accusing Comey of calling for Trump’s assassination.

“Disgraced former FBI Director James Comey just called for the assassination of Trump,” she wrote on X, confirming that both DHS and the Secret Service are investigating.

Dan Scavino, White House Deputy Chief of Staff during Trump's administration, echoed those concerns, describing the post as “a plea to bad actors/terrorists to assassinate the POTUS” during Trump’s overseas tour in the Middle East.

Donald Trump Jr. also weighed in, posting:

“James Comey causally [sic] calling for my dad to be murdered.”

FBI Offers Support, Clarifies Jurisdiction

Current FBI Director Kash Patel acknowledged the situation, confirming the bureau is in touch with the Secret Service and offering assistance.

“Primary jurisdiction is with the Secret Service on these matters, and we, the FBI, will provide all necessary support.”

Comey’s Tumultuous Legacy Resurfaces

Comey served as FBI Director from 2013 to 2017. His tenure was marked by controversy, particularly his decision to reopen the investigation into Hillary Clinton’s email server shortly before the 2016 election — a move some analysts say influenced the outcome in Trump’s favor.

He was later dismissed by Trump amid the FBI’s probe into Russian interference in the election.

Context of Concern: Past Threats Against Trump

Tensions are heightened by the fact that Trump reportedly survived two assassination attempts last year. As a result, federal agencies remain on high alert for any perceived threats — subtle or overt.

The incident has reignited fierce debate over political discourse, digital speech, and the limits of interpretation in the age of social media.