The Secret Service has launched an investigation into former FBI Director James Comey after post on Instagram that many interpreted as threat against President Donald Trump.
The controversial photo, which Comey has since deleted, showed the numbers “86 47” spelled out in seashells along the beach. He captioned the image: “Cool shell formation on my beach walk…” To the casual observer, the post may seem innocuous. But critics—including members of Congress and officials close to the White House—were quick to point out the disturbing implications.
Former FBI Director James Comey posts “86 47” threat against Trump on Instagram post.
Current FBI Director Kash Patel says Secret Service agents will be paying Comey a visit about the post. pic.twitter.com/H23CZQHUDu
— Resist Times (@resistupdates) May 16, 2025
In law enforcement slang, “86” has long been used to mean “eliminate” or “get rid of.” And “47” is a reference to the 47th president—President Trump, who returned to office in 2025 following a historic reelection campaign.
The implication was not subtle to many observers: “86 47” could easily be read as a coded call to harm or even kill the sitting President of the United States.
A Dangerous Message, Posted