Seashells spelling “86 47” on a beach sparked a firestorm when President Donald Trump accused former FBI Director James Comey of posting a coded assassination threat.
The New York Post reported that Comey’s Instagram photo, captioned as a “cool shell formation,” ignited controversy, prompting a federal investigation. The incident underscores the tension between Trump and his opponents after multiple attempts on Trump's life
On Thursday, Comey shared a photo of seashells arranged to form “86 47,” which Trump interpreted as a call to “get rid” of the 47th president—himself.
The term “eighty-six,” per Webster’s Dictionary, can mean to eliminate or ban, often used in restaurant lingo. Trump, no stranger to threats, didn’t hesitate to call it a deliberate provocation.
“He knew exactly what that meant,” Trump told Fox News’ Bret Baier on Friday, insisting Comey’s post was a veiled assassination call. His certainty reflects a broader conservative frustration with perceived elite hostility.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the Department of Homeland Security and Secret Service are investigating the alleged threat.
The swift response highlights the government’s zero-tolerance stance on anything resembling a presidential threat. After all, actions have consequences, especially in a climate this charged.
Comey, facing backlash, deleted the post and claimed ignorance of its violent implications. “I didn’t realize folks associate those numbers with violence,” he wrote on Instagram. His explanation feels convenient, raising eyebrows among those skeptical of his motives.
“It never occurred to me,” Comey added, emphasizing his opposition to violence. But for Trump’s camp, the damage was done—ignorance doesn’t erase intent. The former FBI director’s backpedaling only fueled accusations of bad faith.
Trump’s reaction is colored by two assassination attempts in 2024, heightening his sensitivity to perceived threats.
In Butler, Pennsylvania, a bullet from 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks grazed his ear during a rally. Later, at his Palm Beach golf course, 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh was arrested after lurking with a gun.
These incidents lend weight to Trump’s alarm over Comey’s post, as his team sees it as part of a pattern of hostility. “He’s calling for the assassination of the president,” Trump declared, framing Comey as a symbol of entrenched opposition. Hyperbole or not, the fear is real for a man who’s dodged bullets.
Trump deputy chief of staff Taylor Budowich took to X, calling the post “deeply concerning” and demanding accountability. The MAGA base echoed his outrage, seeing Comey’s actions as emblematic of a system rigged against them. Yet, some might argue this risks overreacting to an ambiguous image.
Comey’s caption, “Cool shell formation on my beach walk,” presented the photo as innocent. But in a polarized era, even seashells can be weaponized by interpretation. If he truly meant no harm, his naivety seems stunning for a former FBI chief.
Donald Trump Jr. didn’t mince words, posting on X: “Just James Comey casually calling for my dad to be murdered.” His fiery rhetoric captures the visceral anger among Trump’s inner circle. Still, such language risks escalating tensions further.
Comey’s claim of ignorance doesn’t fully square with his seasoned background in law enforcement. Critics argue a man of his experience should know how “86 47” could be read, especially given Trump’s history. It’s a misstep that feels reckless, if not calculated.
As the investigation unfolds, this episode serves as a reminder: words and images carry weight. Comey’s deleted post won’t erase the questions it raised, nor will Trump’s outrage quell his critics. In a nation on edge, even seashells can stir the pot.