Secret Service Investigating Comey Over Controversial Instagram Post Interpreted as Threat to President Trump

The U.S. Secret Service is investigating a now-deleted Instagram post by former FBI Director James Comey that appeared to depict the numbers “86 47” written in seashells on a beach — a post that sparked immediate backlash from lawmakers and the White House, which interpreted it as a potential threat toward President Donald Trump, the 47th president of the United States, as per Fox News.

Comey posted the photo on Thursday, captioned, “Cool shell formation on my beach walk…,” showing the numbers “86 47” etched into the sand. While the image may appear innocuous to some, critics quickly pointed out that “86” is a slang term sometimes used to refer to eliminating or killing someone, and “47” has been interpreted as a reference to Trump, who is currently serving as the 47th president.

The post was condemned by White House officials and members of Congress, some of whom called for Comey’s arrest. Comey subsequently deleted the post and issued a follow-up message acknowledging the controversy.

“I posted earlier a picture of some shells I saw today on a beach walk, which I assumed were a political message,” Comey wrote. “I didn’t realize 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.”

A source familiar with the matter told Fox News Digital that the Secret Service is aware of the post and will be sending agents to speak with Comey. The Secret Service has not yet released a public statement.

The FBI, which Comey previously led until being dismissed by President Trump in 2017, declined to comment, but sources indicated that senior officials within the agency are aware of the situation.

Kash Patel, the newly appointed FBI Director under Trump, confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that the agency is in contact with the Secret Service.

“We are in communication with the Secret Service and Director Curran,” Patel wrote. “Primary jurisdiction is with SS on these matters and we, the FBI, will provide all necessary support.”

The controversy surrounding Comey’s post draws comparisons to a 2020 incident involving comedian John Mulaney, who was investigated by the FBI after making a joke on “Saturday Night Live” referencing the assassination of Julius Caesar and, indirectly, then-President Trump.

Following the incident, White House Deputy Chief of Staff and Cabinet Secretary Taylor Budowich condemned the post in strong terms.

“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 posted on X. “This is deeply concerning to all of us and is being taken seriously.”

Representative Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), a staunch Trump ally and 2024 endorsee, called for Comey’s immediate arrest in response to the post.