Trump administration officials say Secret Service is investigating Comeys 86 47 social media post
3 minute readPublished: Friday, May 16, 2025 at 1:55 am
Secret Service Investigating Comey's Social Media Post Amidst Accusations of Incitement
Former FBI Director James Comey is under investigation by the Secret Service following a cryptic social media post that has sparked outrage and accusations of inciting violence against President Donald Trump. The post, which has since been deleted, featured a picture of seashells arranged to resemble the numbers "86 47."
The phrase "86" is slang, with meanings ranging from "to throw out" to, more recently, "to kill." Trump administration officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, interpreted the post as a call for Trump's assassination, given that Trump is the 47th President. Noem stated that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Secret Service are investigating the matter.
Comey has since clarified his post, stating that he did not realize the numbers could be interpreted as a violent message. He explained that he was simply sharing a picture of shells he saw on a beach walk and that he opposes violence of any kind.
The post ignited a firestorm on social media, with figures like Donald Trump Jr. accusing Comey of advocating for his father's killing. Current FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed he was aware of the post and consulting with the Secret Service. White House officials also weighed in, with James Blair, White House deputy chief of staff, calling the post a "Clarion Call" for violence.
The incident comes at a sensitive time, with Trump currently traveling in the Middle East. Comey, who served as FBI Director from 2013 to 2017 and was fired by Trump, is now a crime fiction writer promoting his latest book.
BNN's Perspective: While the interpretation of Comey's post is highly subjective, the Secret Service's investigation is a necessary step given the potential for misinterpretation and the volatile political climate. Regardless of intent, the use of potentially coded language, especially when directed at a President, warrants scrutiny. It is crucial to allow the investigation to run its course and determine the true meaning behind the post.
Keywords: James Comey, Secret Service, Donald Trump, 86 47, social media, investigation, assassination, violence, FBI, Kristi Noem, Kash Patel, political, controversy, Trump administration, shells, Instagram, DHS, Middle East, James Blair, President, crime fiction.