Imagine a former FBI director’s beachside photo sparking a national security headache so severe that agents are pulled off critical cases to chase down social media imitators.
That’s the bizarre reality unfolding after James Comey’s now-deleted Instagram post of seashells arranged as “86 47” ignited controversy and threats against President Donald Trump, the 47th president.
Fox News reported that Comey’s cryptic post has spiraled into a wave of “copycat” threats, forcing current FBI Director Kash Patel to redirect resources from vital investigations to address this fallout.
It all started when Comey shared a photo on Instagram, captioned “Cool shell formation on my beach walk,” showing seashells arranged to read “86 47.”
Some interpreted this as a coded message to “get rid of” Trump, a notion that quickly spread across social media in light of the multiple attempts on Trump's life by radical leftists.
The backlash was swift, with many questioning Comey’s intent behind such a provocative image. He later deleted the post, but the damage was already done as the internet lit up with speculation and outrage.
Comey tried to explain himself in a follow-up social media message, stating he assumed the shells were a political statement and didn’t realize the numbers could suggest violence.
“I oppose violence of any kind, so I took the post down,” he claimed. Well, turns out actions have consequences, and a former FBI head should know better than to play shell games with public perception.
President Trump didn’t buy the excuse, telling Fox News’ Bret Baier that Comey “knew exactly” what the numbers implied. Trump’s sharp rebuke cut through the noise, suggesting even a child would grasp the dangerous undertone. It’s hard to argue with that clarity when symbols carry such weight in today’s charged climate.
Enter FBI Director Kash Patel, who revealed on Fox News that he’s had to divert agents to investigate a “significant” number of copycat threats inspired by Comey’s post. These aren’t just idle online rants; they’re serious enough to pull resources from fighting child predators and drug traffickers.
Patel didn’t mince words, lamenting to Baier, “Do you know how many agents I’ve had to take offline from crucial work to handle this mess? It’s a frustrating redirection of focus, especially when public safety hangs in the balance over what he called Comey’s “beachside venture.” One has to wonder if a single photo was worth this chaos.
An FBI official echoed Patel’s frustration, noting that every copycat threat siphons time and resources that should be spent “saving lives” and busting criminals.
The official pointedly reminded lawmakers in states like California and New York, who’ve defended Comey, that public safety should trump political stunts. It’s a sobering call to prioritize real threats over symbolic spats.
Meanwhile, Comey faced direct scrutiny, meeting with Secret Service officials in Washington this month over the controversial post. Two sources confirmed the interview, signaling just how seriously authorities are taking the potential implications of his actions.
The ripple effect of this incident is undeniable, as copycat threats continue to emerge across social media platforms. What started as a seemingly innocent beach walk photo has morphed into a resource-draining nightmare for law enforcement. It’s a stark reminder that even casual posts can carry heavy consequences in today’s hyper-connected world.
Patel’s exasperation was palpable as he told Baier he’s dealing with this “every single day” because someone thought a political jab was amusing. It’s not just a distraction; it’s a derailment of the FBI’s core mission to protect and serve.
At the end of the day, this saga underscores a critical truth: public figures, especially those with Comey’s background, must weigh their words and actions with care. A single misstep can ignite a firestorm, and right now, the FBI is left dousing the flames.