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Former FBI Director James Comey found himself at the center of controversy after deleting an Instagram post featuring seashells arranged to spell out “86 47.” The seemingly innocuous image sparked a firestorm among conservatives who interpreted it as a veiled threat against former President Donald Trump.
The number “86” is often used to signify removal or getting rid of something, while “47” would correlate to Trump’s potential term as the 47th president, should he win the upcoming election. This interpretation quickly gained traction, with figures like Donald Trump Jr. accusing Comey of inciting violence.
Comey, a vocal critic of Trump since his dismissal from the FBI, denied any malicious intent. He explained that he removed the post upon realizing the potential for misinterpretation. “I didn’t realize some folks associate those numbers with violence,” Comey stated on Instagram. “It never occurred to me but I oppose violence of any kind so I took the post down.”
Despite Comey’s explanation, the incident drew the attention of law enforcement. Former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that the Department of Homeland Security and the Secret Service were investigating the post as a potential threat against Trump.
A Secret Service spokesperson confirmed their awareness of the social media activity, stating, “The Secret Service vigorously investigates anything that can be taken as a potential threat against our protectees. We take this responsibility very seriously and we are aware of the social media posts in question.”
Current FBI Director Kash Patel also acknowledged the situation, pledging the FBI’s support to the Secret Service in the matter. “We are aware of the recent tweet by former FBI Director James Comey, directed at President Trump,” Patel wrote.
Adding to the chorus of criticism, former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard called for Comey’s arrest, arguing that he should have been aware of the potential interpretation of the post. “James Comey in my view should be held accountable and put behind bars for this,” Gabbard asserted during a Fox News appearance.
This incident underscores the highly charged political climate and the ease with which social media posts can be misinterpreted or weaponized. Comey’s tenure as FBI director, marked by investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 election and Hillary Clinton’s email practices, continues to fuel debate and controversy.
The controversy surrounding Comey’s Instagram post serves as a reminder of the power and potential pitfalls of online communication in the age of social media. The Secret Service continues to investigate the matter.
