Former FBI Director Comey Investigated Over Seashells Post Suggesting Harm to Trump

Former FBI Director James Comey posted a photo on Instagram of seashells arranged to spell '8647,' which sparked controversy because '86' can mean 'to eliminate' and '47' is a shorthand for Donald Trump, the 47th president. Critics, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and other Trump loyalists, interpreted the post as a call for Trump's assassination, leading to an investigation by the U.S. Secret Service. Comey quickly deleted the post and stated he was unaware of the violent connotations associated with the numbers and opposes violence of any kind. The incident highlights the ongoing antagonism between Comey and Trump, who dismissed Comey during his presidency amid the Russia investigation. Trump and his allies used the post to accuse Comey of inciting violence, with Trump himself asserting on Fox News that the message clearly implied assassination. The Secret Service and FBI are taking the matter seriously, reflecting heightened concerns about threats to the president.