WASHINGTON, D.C. — Former FBI Director James Comey has removed a controversial social media post after widespread backlash over a photo he shared showing seashells arranged to read “86 47,” which many interpreted as a call to harm President Donald Trump.
Comey said the photo, posted during a beach walk, was misinterpreted. “I didn’t realize some folks associate those numbers with violence,” he wrote Thursday. “It never occurred to me but I oppose violence of any kind so I took the post down.”
The number “86” is often used as slang for “eliminate,” while “47” is a reference to Trump, the 45th U.S. president. Critics argued the combination of the two numbers could be interpreted as a coded message advocating violence.
The FBI responded swiftly, with Director Kash Patel stating via social media, “We are aware of the recent social media post by former FBI Director James Comey, directed at President Trump. We are in communication with the Secret Service… and will provide all necessary support.”
President Trump addressed the incident directly, saying, “He knew exactly what that meant. A child knows what that meant… he’s calling for the assassination of the President.” Trump described Comey as a “dirty cop” and added, “I think it’s a terrible thing,” but said he would leave the decision on consequences to authorities.
Secret Service coordination continues
As of Friday, the U.S. Secret Service has not released a public statement on the matter, but continues to handle the primary investigation. The agency is tasked with responding to threats against current and former presidents.
Comey, who served as FBI director from 2013 until his dismissal by President Trump in 2017, has remained a vocal critic of the former president. However, he maintains the image in question was not intended as a threat.
There has been no indication of formal charges or investigations into Comey as of now. The former FBI chief’s statement emphasized regret over the post’s interpretation and reiterated his opposition to violence.
The post’s deletion followed mounting pressure across social media platforms and from political figures across the spectrum.