The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Secret Service have launched an investigation into an alarming social media post published by former FBI Director James Comey.
Former FBI Director James Comey on Thursday shared an image on Instagram that many people saw as an unsubtle threat to President Donald Trump. Comey posted a photo of a rock formation on a sandy beach that spelled out “86 47,” and captioned the post “Cool shell formation on my beach walk.”
The number 86 has long been recognized as slang for kill, nix, or eliminate.
Comey, who has posted several photos from a beach on Emerald Isle, North Carolina, in recent days, quickly deleted the post and issued a clarification claiming that he didn’t realize the number “86” was associated with violence.
“I posted earlier a picture of some shells I saw today on a beach walk, which I assumed were a political message. I didn’t realize some folks associated those numbers with violence. It never occurred to me but I oppose violence of any kind so I took the post down,” he wrote in the subsequent post.
Conservative influencers, including the president’s oldest son, erupted in horror at the disgraced former G-Man’s alarming post.
“Just James Comey causally calling for my dad to be murdered,” wrote Donald Trump Jr. on X. “This is who the Dem-Media worships. Demented!!!!”
Members of Congress also registered their concern.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) posted on X, “How many times are Democrats going to try to assassinate President Trump???”
Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) wrote: “Disgraced former FBI Director James @Comey is calling for President Trump to be eliminated.” Biggs cc’d FBI Director Kash Patel and FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino on his post.
“We are aware of the recent social media post by former FBI Director James Comey, directed at President Trump,” both Patel and Bongino responded on X. “We are in communication with the Secret Service and Director Curran. Primary jurisdiction is with SS on these matters and we, the FBI, will provide all necessary support.”
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem wrote on X that Comey’s post was being viewed as an assassination threat and the proper investigations have been launched.
“Disgraced former FBI Director James Comey just called for the assassination of @POTUS Trump,” Noem said. “DHS and Secret Service is investigating this threat and will respond appropriately.”
Comey, an outspoken critic of the president, has previously stated that he saw Trump as “morally unfit” to serve as commander-in-chief.