James Comey Removes Instagram Post After Conservative Backlash Sparks Controversy
James Comey Erases Instagram Post Displaying "86 47" Amidst Allegations of Veiled Menace Towards Trump
Former FBI Director James Comey removed an Instagram post on Thursday after conservative figures construed it as subtly threatening President Donald Trump. The now-deleted image exhibited seashells arranged to form the figures "86 47", igniting a political tempest online.
What Do the Numbers "86 47" Represent?
The numeral "86" is commonly used slang for "ousting" or "eliminating" something. In the meantime, "47" refers to Donald Trump's current status as the forty-seventh president of the United States. Critics, particularly from conservative circles, swiftly interpreted the post as an encoded message endorsing harm against the president.
Donald Trump Jr. and GOP Figures Respond
Donald Trump Jr. reacted vehemently, accusing Comey of advocating violence:
"Just James Comey casually calling for my dad to be murdered. This is who the Dem-Media worships. Demented!!!!"
Comey, who has been a vocal critic of Trump since being dismissed during Trump’s first term, denied any malicious intent behind the post. He later clarified the situation, stating on Instagram: "I didn’t realize some folks associate those numbers with violence. It never occurred to me... I oppose violence of any kind, so I took the post down."
Homeland Security Department and Secret Service Weigh In
The controversy escalated as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and others confirmed that the Department of Homeland Security and the Secret Service are examining the alleged menace and will respond appropriately."
"Disgraced former FBI Director James Comey just called for the assassination of @POTUSTrump," Noem posted. "DHS and Secret Service are investigating this threat.
A Secret Service spokesperson affirmed they are aware of the social media posts but declined to offer further details. FBI and Intelligence Officials Weigh In Current FBI Director Kash Patel also addressed the situation, saying the bureau is cooperating with the Secret Service and will support any investigations as necessary. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard took a stern stance, claiming Comey should be jailed and suggesting that as a former FBI director, he could not have been unaware of the implications behind the numbers.
"I’m very concerned for [Trump’s] life... and James Comey, in my view, should be held accountable and put behind bars for this," Gabbard said in an interview.
James Comey’s Controversial Legacy Comey’s career at the FBI has been marked by high-profile controversy. He oversaw investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 election and Hillary Clinton’s email server, both of which drew criticism from both major political parties. He was dismissed by Trump in 2017, shortly after the start of Trump’s first term. Despite the backlash, no criminal charges were brought in the investigations Comey led. Still, Trump has frequently lashed out at Comey, once calling him a “grandstander” and “showboat.”
