The U.S. Secret Service and Department of Homeland Security are actively investigating an Instagram post by former FBI Director James Comey, in which beach shells were arranged to spell out “8647.” DHS Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the investigation Thursday evening.
The number “86” is commonly used as slang meaning “to get rid of,” and in some interpretations, it can imply an intent to kill. Donald Trump Jr. drew attention to the post on social media, claiming that Comey was indirectly suggesting harm to his father, President Trump. He posted a screenshot of the since-deleted image, stating, “Just James Comey casually calling for my dad to be murdered.”
Comey, who was dismissed by Trump during his first term, captioned the original photo, “Cool shell formation on my beach walk,” to his 130,000 Instagram followers. The image followed a growing trend online where individuals use “86” and “47” together as a coded form of political opposition to Trump, who is the 47th president.
In a follow-up post, Comey acknowledged the numbers might have carried political undertones but claimed he was unaware that they could be associated with violent intent. He said he found the shell arrangement naturally during a walk and assumed someone else had left the message.
Noem responded strongly, calling the post a serious threat. “Disgraced former FBI Director James Comey just called for the assassination” of Trump, she posted online. She added that DHS and the Secret Service are taking appropriate steps in response.
A Secret Service spokesperson stated that the agency takes any potential threat against protectees very seriously. “We are aware of the social media posts in question. Beyond that, we do not comment on protective intelligence matters.”
FBI Director Kash Patel also weighed in, saying the Bureau is aware of Comey’s post and is in contact with the Secret Service, offering full support as needed. He emphasized that primary jurisdiction in this case belongs to the Secret Service.
Taylor Budowich, White House deputy chief of staff and Cabinet secretary, called Comey’s post “deeply concerning” and said it is being taken seriously by administration officials. He noted that the message came while President Trump was abroad on an official trip to the Middle East and called it “a message etched in the sand” that appeared threatening.
Rep. Tim Burchett added to the outrage, posting a brief message online: “Arrest Comey.”