A cryptic photo posted by James Comey on Instagram—featuring seashells arranged as “8647”—has triggered a wave of controversy and launched a Secret Service investigation Comey may not have expected. While the image seemed innocent at first glance, many believe it contains a hidden threat against former President Donald Trump, with “86” often interpreted as slang for “eliminate” and “47” referencing Trump as the 47th U.S. president.Comey swiftly deleted the post, but the damage had already been done. The Comey Instagram controversy has sparked intense political debate, raising questions about coded political messages, free speech, and the increasingly blurred lines between social media expression and alleged presidential threats in social media.
Why Is James Comey Under Investigation Over an Instagram Post?
Former FBI Director James Comey is under a Secret Service probe after posting a photo on Instagram showing seashells arranged as “8647.” The post, captioned “Cool shell formation on my beach walk,” was deleted shortly after. However, it sparked controversy, with some interpreting it as a veiled threat against President Donald Trump, the 47th U.S. president. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is also involved in the investigation, highlighting the seriousness of the matter.Time+1The Guardian+1
What Does ‘8647’ Mean? The Code Behind the Controversy.
The number “86” is slang meaning “to get rid of” or “to kill,” while “47” refers to Trump as the 47th president. This combination has been interpreted by some as a call to “86 47,” or eliminate Trump. However, Merriam-Webster notes that the violent connotation of “86” is relatively recent and not widely recognized. The Comey Instagram controversy has thus raised questions about the use of coded political messages and their interpretations.The Times+1AP News+1New York Magazine
The Political History of ‘86’ — It’s Not the First Time
The term “86” has appeared in political contexts before. In 2018, restaurant staff asked Sarah Huckabee Sanders to leave and wrote “86 Sarah Huckabee Sanders” on a note. In 2020, Gretchen Whitmer displayed an “8645” pin during an interview, referencing Trump as the 45th president. These instances show that political symbolism in numbers is not new and often sparks debate.
Trump’s Response: Allegations of an Assassination Threat
Donald Trump has accused James Comey of calling for his assassination through the “8647” post. He stated, “He knew exactly what that meant,” rejecting Comey’s explanation. Donald Trump Jr. echoed this sentiment and accused Comey of “calling for my dad to be murdered.” The Trump assassination accusation has intensified scrutiny on Comey’s actions.ABC7 Los Angeles+1The Independent+1
Comey’s Silence and Legal Fallout: What Happens Next?
James Comey has remained largely silent, stating he was unaware of the violent connotation and opposes violence of any kind. Despite deleting the post, the Secret Service investigation of Comey continues, with potential legal consequences. The DHS investigates Comey to determine if the post constitutes a real threat or is protected speech.
Gabbard insisted on Fox News that Comey was creating a culture that was encouraging the assassination of Trump, citing a study from the Network of Contagion Research Institute (NCRI) and Rutgers University’s Social Perception Lab.
Trump’s Own Use of Provocative or Violent Rhetoric
Critics point out that Trump’s own use of provocative or violent rhetoric has documented. In 2021, Paul Gosar shared an anime video depicting violence against political opponents. In 2024, Trump posted a video on Truth Social showing an image of Joe Biden tied up on a truck. These instances raise questions about double standards in interpreting political threats on Instagram and other platforms.New York Magazine
Social Media and Symbolism: When a Post Is More Than Just a Photo
The Comey Instagram controversy highlights how social media posts can carry unintended meanings. People interpret coded political messages like “8647” in various ways, causing significant consequences. This case underscores the importance of understanding the potential impact of political symbolism in numbers on public discourse.
Is the ‘8647’ Post Protected Speech or a Real Threat?
People debate whether the “8647” post falls under First Amendment protection or poses a real threat. Legal experts are examining the context and intent behind the post. The Secret Service probe aims to determine if James Comey violated any laws or if the post falls under protected speech.
Public and Political Reactions: From Outrage to Deflection
The public and politicians have reacted in different ways. Tulsi Gabbard called for Comey to face accountability, citing concerns about assassination attempts Trump has survived. Others argue the response goes too far, pointing out that people have used similar expressions, like anti-Trump slogans and 8647 protest signs, without facing legal consequences.
What This Controversy Says About Modern American Politics
The James Comey investigation over the “8647” post reflects the heightened polarization in American politics. Political figures use 86 slang meaning in discourse to show how language can become a weapon. This incident serves as a case study in the complexities of interpreting coded political messages and the challenges of maintaining civil discourse in the digital age.
FAQs
James Comey book?
James Comey wrote “A Higher Loyalty,” a memoir about his time as FBI Director.
What is James Comey doing now?
James Comey works as a public speaker, author, and law professor.
James Comey 86 47?
The “86 47” post by Comey stirred controversy, seen as a cryptic political message.
Comey Trump post?
Comey’s Instagram post “8647” was interpreted as a threat against Donald Trump, sparking investigation.
What is net worth of James Comey ?
James Comey’s estimated net worth is around $10 million.
James Comey Trump?
Comey and Trump had a tense relationship, with Trump firing Comey in 2017.
James Comey 8647?
The “8647” post is a coded message that led to legal scrutiny and political debate.
James Comey news?
Recent news covers Comey’s Instagram controversy and the ongoing investigation into his post.
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