Former FBI Director Comey Defends ‘8647’ Post After Secret Service Interview

Former FBI Director James Comey posted a photo on Instagram of seashells arranged to form the numbers "86 47," which many interpreted as a call to '86' or remove the 47th president, Donald Trump, a phrase some have taken to mean assassination. Comey and his wife claimed they discovered the arrangement on a beach and saw it as a clever political message rather than a violent threat, though he later took down the post amid controversy and a Secret Service investigation. Despite the backlash, Comey stated he was not afraid of retaliation from the Trump administration, emphasizing his belief in the rule of law and his resolve to stand up against intimidation. Critics accused Comey of using the incident for publicity, with some suggesting it was a stunt related to his upcoming legal thriller, while others dismissed his explanations as disingenuous. Trump's allies condemned the post as a clear threat, with Trump himself asserting there was no innocent interpretation of the message. Comey’s longstanding contentious relationship with Trump framed much of the discourse surrounding the incident.