Former FBI Director James Comey found himself at the center of political controversy this week after posting and then quickly removing a photo on Instagram that drew sharp criticism from conservatives who claimed it hinted at violence against former President Donald Trump.
The Image That Sparked the Firestorm
The since-deleted image, which showed seashells arranged to form the numbers “86 47,” was shared to Comey’s personal Instagram account on Thursday. While to some the image may have seemed like a benign beach snapshot, political observers and members of the Trump camp viewed it as a veiled call to “get rid of” the 47th president — a phrase interpreted by critics as referencing Trump’s return to office and the slang term “86,” often used to mean elimination.
Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., did not hold back. “Just James Comey casually calling for my dad to be murdered. This is who the Dem-Media worships. Demented!!!!” he posted on social media.
Comey Responds: “I Oppose Violence of Any Kind”
In response to the uproar, James Comey took down the post and issued a clarification via Instagram.
“I posted earlier a picture of some shells I saw today on a beach walk, which I assumed were a political message,” he wrote. “I didn’t realize some folks associate those numbers with violence. It never occurred to me — but I oppose violence of any kind so I took the post down.”
Despite Comey’s explanation, the fallout continued.
Homeland Security and Secret Service Weigh In
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, who also serves as Secretary of Homeland Security, stated that both her department and the U.S. Secret Service were investigating the matter. “Disgraced former FBI Director James Comey just called for the assassination of @POTUSTrump,” she alleged in a social media post. “DHS and Secret Service is investigating this threat and will respond appropriately.”
While the Secret Service confirmed it was aware of the post, a spokesperson declined to offer further details, citing protocol regarding protective intelligence operations.
“The Secret Service vigorously investigates anything that can be taken as a potential threat against our protectees,” the spokesperson said.
FBI Pledges Cooperation
Current FBI Director Kash Patel issued a statement acknowledging the controversy. “We are aware of the recent tweet by former FBI Director James Comey, directed at President Trump,” Patel wrote. “We are in communication with the Secret Service and Director Sean Curran. Primary jurisdiction is with the Secret Service on these matters, and we, the FBI, will provide all necessary support.”
Gabbard Calls for Jail Time
Adding to the political pressure, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said on Fox News that James Comey should face criminal charges over the post. “I’m very concerned for [Trump’s] life,” Gabbard said. “And James Comey, in my view, should be held accountable and put behind bars for this.”
Although Gabbard has no legal authority to press charges, her comments added fuel to an already combustible moment.
Comey’s History of Political Entanglements
James Comey has long been a polarizing figure in American politics. Appointed by President Obama, he led the FBI through high-profile investigations including the probe into Russian interference in the 2016 election and the inquiry into Hillary Clinton’s private email server.
Trump fired James Comey in May 2017, just a few months into his first term — a move that led to the appointment of Special Counsel Robert Mueller.
Both Democrats and Republicans have, at different times, expressed frustration with how James Comey handled sensitive political investigations. While his decisions shaped the public narratives around both Clinton and Trump, neither investigation ended with charges being filed.
As of Friday morning, James Comey has not made any additional public comments regarding the controversy beyond his initial Instagram statement. The Secret Service’s review continues, and it remains unclear whether any formal investigation will be launched.
What began as an ambiguous beach photo has escalated into a nationwide political debate — one that once again places James Comey in the eye of a storm where politics, power, and perception collide.