Former FBI Director James Comey’s Instagram post featuring the number 8647 has triggered a U.S. Secret Service review after some interpreted the image as a potential threat to former President Donald Trump. “Cool shell formation on my beach walk” was the caption on the Thursday photo, which featured a seashell pattern with the number “8647.”
The controversy revolves upon the number “86,” which in some colloquial contexts means “to get rid of,” while “47” is frequently interpreted as referring to Trump as the potential 47th president of the United States. The combination led Trump supporters to believe that the James Comey Instagram Post 8647 was a veiled call for violence.
What Was Displayed in James Comey’s Instagram Post 8647?
Many people thought James Comey’s photo, which was a straightforward beach shot of organically placed shells, was harmless. But “8647” was immediately taken as a coded threat by conservative critics. The number “86” is used in restaurant lingo to refer to discarding an item, and in rare cases, it has been used to imply killing, according to Merriam-Webster. “47” is believed to reference Donald Trump, should he win the presidency again in 2024.
The James Comey Instagram Post 8647 was swiftly deleted, and Comey issued a statement denying any malicious intent. He explained:
“I posted a picture of some shells I saw on the beach this morning, not thinking there could be any political message. I had no idea some people associate those numbers with violence. That never even crossed my mind. But I absolutely oppose violence of any kind, so I took the post down.”
Secret Service and Homeland Security Respond
The reaction, however, has been intense. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the post represents a potential threat against Trump and confirmed that the James Comey Instagram Post 8647 is under investigation.
On X, Noem said, “Disgraced former FBI Director James Comey just called for the assassination of POTUS Trump.” “The Secret Service and DHS are looking into this threat and will react accordingly.”
FBI official Kash Patel also weighed in, confirming that federal agencies are monitoring the situation and will provide support if needed.
Comey and Trump: A Longstanding Feud
The tense relationship between James Comey and Donald Trump dates back to the early days of Trump’s presidency. Trump fired Comey in 2017 while he was leading the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Comey later documented the events in his memoir, calling out Trump’s efforts to demand loyalty from him. In response, Trump publicly labeled Comey a “liar” and a “leaker.”
The James Comey Instagram Post 8647 adds yet another chapter to this deeply antagonistic political rivalry.
