James Comey’s beach stroll just got rocky. The former FBI Director posted an Instagram photo of shells arranged to resemble “86 47,” a cryptic message some saw as a veiled threat against President Trump. After the backlash started, the post vanished faster than Comey’s credibility with MAGA faithful.
Breitbart reported that Comey, fired by Trump and a vocal Kamala Harris cheerleader, sparked outrage with his now-deleted Instagram post. The shell formation’s “86 47” was interpreted by some as code for “eliminate Trump,” with “47” pointing to the president.
Social media lit up, accusing Comey of flirting with violence. The term “86” hails from restaurant lingo, meaning to nix something, not inherently violent.
Yet, in today’s charged climate, critics argued Comey’s post was reckless at best, sinister at worst. Actions have consequences, and Comey’s vague artistry didn’t get a free pass.
Current FBI Director Kash Patel didn’t mince words. “We are aware of the recent tweet by former FBI Director James Comey, directed at President Trump,” Patel said, noting coordination with the Secret Service. The Secret Service, with primary jurisdiction over presidential threats, now has the FBI on speed dial.
Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) joined the fray, calling out Comey’s cryptic post. “Would he like to explain what he means by this, given the assassination attempts on President Trump?” she posted on X. Her demand for clarity echoed the fury of Trump supporters tired of elite word games.
Comey, ever the political lightning rod, scrambled to douse the flames. “I didn’t realize some folks associate those numbers with violence,” he claimed, insisting he opposes “violence of any kind.” Nice try, but deleting the post doesn’t erase the screenshot culture of the internet.
“It never occurred to me,” Comey continued, painting himself as blissfully unaware of the post’s implications.
For a former FBI chief, such naivety strains belief. The man who once navigated espionage scandals suddenly can’t read a room—or a beach.
Comey’s history as a Trump critic fuels skepticism about his innocence. He endorsed Kamala Harris, gushing, “Kamala Harris made me feel like it’s finally morning in America.” That rosy optimism didn’t extend to Trump, whom Comey has bashed since his 2017 firing.
Blackburn’s X post tied Comey’s stunt to real-world stakes, referencing two prior assassination attempts on Trump. Her call for accountability wasn’t just political theater—it was a reminder that words, or shells, carry weight. Comey’s “art” landed like a lead balloon.
Patel’s response underscored the gravity of the situation. “Primary jurisdiction is with SS on these matters, and we, the FBI, will provide all necessary support,” he stated. The FBI’s involvement signals that Comey’s post isn’t being dismissed as mere beachcombing whimsy.
The Secret Service’s role here is critical, given its mandate to protect the president. Comey’s post, intentional or not, crossed a line that triggered interagency attention. Sloppy social media moves don’t get a pass just because you once ran the Bureau.
Comey’s deletion of the post was a tacit admission of miscalculation. “I took the post down,” he said, hoping to bury the controversy. But in the age of X, nothing disappears—especially not when it smells like a threat.
Comey’s tenure as FBI Director ended in a Trump-fired blaze of glory, and he’s been a thorn in the president’s side ever since. His vocal support for Harris, including urging votes for “Harris and Walz,” shows where his loyalties lie. Neutrality isn’t his brand, and this post proves it.
The “86 47” controversy isn’t just about shells—it’s about trust, or the lack thereof. Comey’s claim of innocence feels like a dodge from a man who’s made a career of picking fights with Trump. The public’s not buying the “I didn’t mean it” routine.