Summary
- Former FBI Director James Comey posted a photo with the phrase “86 47” spelled out in seashells, widely interpreted as a veiled threat toward Donald Trump.
- The Secret Service, FBI, and DHS are investigating the post, which referenced slang and Trump’s numeric designation as the 47th president.
- Comey deleted the post, stating he didn’t realize the numbers could imply violence, and reiterated his opposition to political violence.
When Shells Spark a Storm: James Comey’s Beach Post and the Threat Debate
A quiet beach photo posted by James Comey—once the top law enforcement officer in the United States—has ignited a high-stakes investigation involving multiple federal agencies. Comey’s Instagram post on May 15 showed “86 47” spelled out in seashells, a seemingly benign message that took on new meaning when online users linked the numbers to assassination slang targeting President Donald Trump.
The phrase “86” is American slang for getting rid of or ejecting someone, while “47” has become a widely used reference to Trump’s current presidential term—he is the 47th president of the United States. What appeared to some as a coded call for violence has sparked official responses from the Secret Service, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and FBI.
The incident has inflamed political tensions just as the U.S. gears up for another contentious election cycle. At its center stands Comey, a former FBI chief once fired by Trump, who now finds himself under federal scrutiny again.
James Comey just posted this to one of his accounts. How is this not a threat that needs to be investigated? 86 number 47? It's so obvious what he's saying 😡 pic.twitter.com/8GYRlC5IpG
— Keep Looking Up (@SandyEverett777) May 15, 2025
The Numeric Controversy That Escalated Quickly
- “86” is slang in U.S. culture meaning to eject, eliminate, or cancel someone or something.
- “47” is widely associated with Donald Trump, who is serving as the 47th president.
- Congressman Andy Ogles called the post a veiled assassination threat.
- Comey took the post down and issued a statement rejecting any form of violence.
The post’s caption—“Cool shell formation on my beach walk”—only fueled speculation about intent. Within hours, social media erupted with accusations, and Republican lawmakers demanded federal intervention. Congressman Andy Ogles formally requested an investigation, accusing Comey of issuing a “coded suggestion to eliminate 47—that is, assassinate the President.”
While the phrase “86 47” could be coincidental or ambiguous in isolation, its association with Trump, and Comey’s own high-profile firing by Trump in 2017, intensified its perceived meaning. The phrase trended on X and prompted calls for security clearance revocations and legal review.
Federal Agencies React Swiftly to Social Media Rhetoric
- The U.S. Secret Service acknowledged the post and said such rhetoric is taken “very seriously.”
- FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed inter-agency coordination with the Secret Service.
- DHS Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed an active investigation is underway.
- No criminal charges or formal accusations have been made as of yet.
The Secret Service’s response came within hours of the post gaining traction online. Chief of Communications Anthony Guglielmi wrote, “We vigorously investigate anything that can be taken as a potential threat against our protectees… we take rhetoric like this very seriously.”
FBI Director Kash Patel echoed the concern and noted that jurisdiction lies primarily with the Secret Service, but the FBI will “provide all necessary support.” DHS Secretary Kristi Noem added that the department “will respond appropriately” based on the outcome of the investigation.
The rapid inter-agency response signals the heightened sensitivity around online content, especially when it comes from former high-ranking officials. Even perceived threats are now being handled with real-time precision in an era of digital provocation.
Comey Responds: “It Never Occurred to Me”
- Comey deleted the post following the uproar and issued a public clarification.
- He stated that he assumed it was a political message but didn’t grasp its violent interpretation.
- Emphasized his lifelong opposition to violence and political extremism.
In a public statement released shortly after the post was deleted, Comey clarified his intent. “I posted earlier a picture of some shells I saw today on a beach walk, which I assumed were a political message. I didn’t realize some folks associate those numbers with violence.”
“It never occurred to me,” he added. “But I oppose violence of any kind, so I took the post down.”
While Comey’s clarification may cool immediate tensions, the episode illustrates the fragile boundary between symbolic expression and incitement in a deeply polarized nation. Given his past—and his role in the Trump-Russia investigation—Comey’s actions are likely to remain under intense scrutiny from both political and legal corners.
Tension by Numbers: A Sign of the Times
This is not the first time coded language or visual metaphors have sparked security alarms in the U.S.—but it is one of the most high-profile. James Comey, once a standard-bearer of institutional law and order, now finds himself at the nexus of digital symbolism and national security interpretation.
The incident reflects a broader American trend: in 2025, even seashells can become the trigger for federal investigations. The episode highlights how rapidly a political environment can escalate, especially when layered histories, digital semiotics, and fragile trust in public institutions collide.
The true test going forward may not be about what was intended—but what is increasingly possible in a world where algorithms amplify suspicion and numbers can mean war.
