James Comey Removes Instagram Post After Backlash Over “86 47” Shells

 

James Comey Removes Instagram Post After Backlash Over “86 47” Shells

A former FBI director is under fire for posting a contentious beach selfie.

This week, James Comey, the former director of the FBI, was at the center of a political scandal after sharing and later removing an Instagram photo that immediately sparked conservative anger. Some saw the image, which featured seashells arranged to spell out the digits "86 47," as a request to "get rid of" Donald Trump, the 47th President.

“86 47” Sparks Outrage Among Conservatives

"47" alludes to Trump's current presidency, while "86" can signify to remove or trash something in political parlance. This combination caused a stir, and Donald Trump Jr. accused Comey of advocating for his father's murder.

Trump Jr. posted on social media, "Just James Comey casually calling for my dad to be murdered." The Dem-Media idolizes this person. Crazy!

Comey Denies Violent Intent, Deletes Post

Comey, an active critic of Trump since his firing in 2017, reacted swiftly to the attack. He clarified that he had mistaken the shells for a political statement placed by someone else during his beach walk and that the image was not meant to be harmful.

He posted on Instagram, saying, "I didn't realize some folks associate those numbers with violence." "I never thought of it, but I removed the post because I'm against all forms of violence."

Secret Service and DHS Reportedly Investigating

According to reports, federal officials have finally taken notice of the post. Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security, asserted that the Secret Service and DHS are looking into what she called a “threat” against the president.

"The assassination of @POTUSTrump was just called for by disgraced former FBI Director James Comey," Noem said. "The Secret Service and DHS are looking into this threat and will react accordingly."

Citing the delicate nature of protective intelligence operations, a Secret Service spokesperson acknowledged knowledge of the incident but refrained from providing any information.

Other Officials Respond to the Controversy

FBI is in communication with the Secret Service and will help with the inquiry if necessary, said FBI Director Kash Patel. "SS has primary jurisdiction over these issues, and the FBI will offer all required assistance," he stated.

In a conversation with Fox News, National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard urged that Comey be held responsible. In light of the increasing political tensions, she said that Trump's safety was in danger and that James Comey "should be held responsible and put behind bars for this."

Comey's Controversial Legacy Continues

High-profile investigations into Russian meddling in the 2016 election and Hillary Clinton's email use typified Comey's time at the FBI. Despite no example leading to charges, they both drew severe criticism from both Democrats and Republicans.

Following Comey's termination in May 2017, President Trump has frequently criticized him, calling him a "showboat" and a "grandstander."