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Federal Prosecutors File Charges Against James Comey
Former FBI Director James Comey has been charged with making a threat against President Donald Trump after posting an image of seashells arranged as the numbers 8-6-4-7 on a beach, prosecutors announced Friday. The charges come amid heightened scrutiny following an alleged assassination attempt on Trump earlier this month.
Alleged Threat and Comey's Response
The Justice Department alleges that Comey's post, later deleted, carried a hidden message calling for Trump's assassination. The numbers 8-6-4-7 correspond to Trump's presidency order-47th-and the slang term "86," which prosecutors argue can mean "to kill." Comey has denied any violent intent, stating he was unaware of the term's darker interpretation.
"I had no idea this phrase could be interpreted as a call for violence," Comey said in a statement. "My post was never meant to convey anything other than a personal reflection."
Legal and Political Fallout
Comey faces two federal charges: making a threat against the president and transmitting a threat in interstate commerce. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. He surrendered voluntarily to authorities in Virginia and was released pending trial.
His legal team plans to challenge the charges as "selective and vindictive prosecution," arguing he was targeted for his public criticism of Trump. The case was filed in the Eastern District of North Carolina, where the seashells were reportedly photographed.
"Comey disgracefully encouraged a threat on President Trump's life and posted it on Instagram for the world to see," FBI Director Kash Patel said at a press conference.
FBI Director Kash Patel
Controversy Over the Term "86"
The term "86" has long been used in the restaurant industry to mean "to remove or eject," with origins tracing back to the 1930s. However, Merriam-Webster notes a lesser-known definition: "to kill," though it omits this meaning from its official entry due to limited usage.
Etymologists debate the term's origins, with theories ranging from soda counter slang to Prohibition-era bar codes. One popular legend ties it to 86 Barrow Street in New York, where unruly patrons were allegedly ejected.
Broader Context and Reactions
The charges follow an investigation launched in May 2025, nearly a year after Comey's post. They also coincide with a separate controversy involving late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, whom Trump accused of inciting violence through a joke.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard called for Comey's imprisonment, labeling his post a "hit" on Trump. Meanwhile, free speech advocates argue the post is protected under the First Amendment.
"Comey's post neither constitutes a true threat nor merits federal investigation," said the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE).
FIRE Statement
Critics note that the numbers 8646 and 8647 have been used by opponents of both Trump and former President Joe Biden, with merchandise featuring the digits available online.
What's Next
Comey's legal team is expected to file motions to dismiss the case in the coming weeks. A trial date has not yet been set.
