The U.S. Secret Service has launched an investigation into former FBI Director James Comey after he posted a photo on social media showing seashells arranged to spell out the numbers “86 47.” The post, quickly deleted, drew sharp criticism from Republicans and allies of former President Donald Trump, who interpreted it as a veiled call for violence.
The numbers sparked controversy due to their perceived meaning: “86” is sometimes slang for eliminating or discarding something, while “47” is a reference to Trump’s position as the 47th President of the United States. The combination led to concerns that Comey was implying harm toward the president.
Comey later explained he was unaware of the connotations. “I didn’t realize some folks associate those numbers with violence,” he said. “It never occurred to me, but I oppose violence of any kind, so I took the post down.”
The director of U.S. intelligence has expressed concern for Trump’s safety, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem publicly confirmed that the Secret Service is investigating Comey’s actions. The FBI, led by Director Kash Patel, stated it stands ready to assist in the probe.
Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement, “We are aware of the social media posts by the former FBI director and we take rhetoric like this very seriously. The Secret Service vigorously investigates anything that could be perceived as a potential threat against our protectees.”
Although the post may not amount to a criminal offense, legal experts suggest Comey is unlikely to face prosecution. A recent Supreme Court decision regarding speech and threats, combined with the judiciary’s expanding interpretation of free speech protections, makes legal action improbable. One source close to the investigation told CNN the matter would likely conclude with a stern warning to Comey.
“It’s not a direct threat. It doesn’t say, ‘go out and kill Donald Trump,’” said Jon Wackrow, a former Secret Service agent and CNN analyst. “But in today’s climate, that kind of imagery is extremely risky—especially from someone like Comey, who should know better.”
Wackrow noted that recent assassination attempts on Trump, along with high-profile killings like that of a healthcare executive in New York, have heightened sensitivities around public figures and violence.
“He carries the institutional weight of the FBI,” Wackrow added. “His public commentary should reflect that standard.”
A Secret Service source noted that while similar posts might be overlooked in calmer times, the current polarized political atmosphere makes this incident more significant. The investigation, they said, could divert attention and resources from other pressing threats in an already overextended agency.
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