A cryptic Instagram post has brought former FBI chief James Comey under scrutiny by US security officials as the supporters of Donald Trump reportedly considered it a veiled threat against the US President. However, after facing the huge backlash from the Republicans, Comey later deleted the post.
US: Ex-FBI Chief James Comey Under Scrutiny Over '8647' Post; Trump Supporters Call It A 'Murder Threat' To Prez
Amid the escalating row over his controversial post, ex-FBI chief James Comey, a fierce critic of Trump, later clarified that he did not realise the image could be interpreted as a threat to the president and deleted his post.
Amid the escalating row over his controversial post, Comey, a fierce critic of Trump, later clarified that he did not realise the image could be interpreted as a threat and deleted his post.
"I posted earlier a picture of some shells I saw today on a beach walk, which I assumed were a political message. I didn't realise some folks associate those numbers with violence. It never occurred to me, but I oppose violence of any kind, so I took the post down," he said on a fresh Instagram post.
The '86 47' post: What Does It Mean?
The whole controversy stemmed from Comey's post on Instagram where seashells were reportedly arranged to form the number "8647" with a caption that read, "Cool shell formation on my beach walk."
Referring to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the Associated Press reported that the numerical figure 86 often refers to 'getting rid of' or 'tossing something out', while '47' can possibly represent Trump라이브 바카라 current term in office as the 47th president.
Therefore, after combining the two numbers (8647), some Trump supporters reportedly interpreted the message as an Comey's alleged intent to violently remove Trump, including by assassination.
Comey's post was first flagged by Donald Trump Jr, who accused the former FBI director of "casually calling for my dad to be murdered".
"Just James Comey causally calling for my dad to be murdered. This is who the Dem-Media worships. Demented!!!!", Donald Trump Jr posted on social media.
Officials Demand Probe
In view of the row over the cryptic post with a speculated meaning, several Trump administration officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, have called for an investigation.
"Disgraced former FBI Director James Comey just called for the assassination of Trump. DHS and Secret Service are investigating this threat and will respond appropriately," Noem posted on X.
Advertisement
Moreover, White House deputy chief of staff Taylor Budowich said Trump's presidency has left the "deep state desperate and dangerous".
"While President Trump is currently on an international trip to the Middle East, the former FBI Director puts out what can clearly be interpreted as 'a hit' on the sitting President of the United States - a message etched in the sand," Budowich said.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard also reportedly said the post cannot be underestimated. "The dangerousness of this cannot be underestimated. We have had two assassination attempts on the President's life," she said.
The incident comes months after Trump was left with a gashing wound in his ear during an assassination attempt that took place while he was holding a rally in Pennsylvania in July 2024.
Show comments