Ex-FBI Director James Comey sparked controversy with a now-deleted Instagram post showing seashells arranged as “8647.” Online critics interpreted “86” as slang for “get rid of” or “kill,” combined with “47” (Trump’s number), as a veiled threat against former President Trump, who recently began a second term after the 2024 election.
The Secret Service and FBI launched an investigation, taking the possible threat seriously. Comey claimed he was unaware of any violent connotation and opposed violence. However, prominent Trump supporters condemned the post as a call for assassination. The incident ignited heated debate and increased scrutiny amid heightened security concerns for Trump, who survived two assassination attempts last year.
