Former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director James Comey has been accused of issuing a death threat against former US President Donald Trump. The accusation was made by US Homeland Security Secretary, Kristi Noem.
Washington: American politics is once again embroiled in controversy. This time, the focus is on former President Donald Trump, who is allegedly the target of a death threat made by former FBI Director James Comey. The controversy originated from a social media post featuring seashells with the numbers "86 47" inscribed on them. The meaning of these numbers and whether they constitute a violent threat has sparked intense debate in the US.
What is the full story?
Recently, James Comey shared a picture on Instagram of a beach scene where several seashells had "86 47" written on them. The picture went viral, with many interpreting it as a veiled threat against Donald Trump. US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem reacted bly, claiming that "86" is American slang for "murder" or "eliminate," while "47" refers to Trump being the 47th President.
Kristi Noem wrote on X (formerly Twitter): "Former FBI Director James Comey has publicly called for the assassination of Donald Trump. This is a serious matter, and we cannot ignore this threat. DHS and the Secret Service are investigating thoroughly."
Comey's explanation:
Facing mounting pressure following the controversy, James Comey removed his Instagram post and offered an explanation. He stated, "I was walking on the beach and noticed these numbers on some seashells. It seemed like an ordinary and interesting picture, so I shared it. I had absolutely no idea that these numbers would be interpreted as a political message or a sign of violence."
Comey further wrote, "I am a staunch opponent of any kind of violence. I could never support such an idea. If anyone was offended, I apologize. This is why I immediately removed the post."
Trump previously attacked:
This incident comes at a time when Donald Trump has already faced several assassination attempts. In July 2024, during a rally in Pennsylvania, Trump was shot at; the bullet grazed his ear. While he survived, the incident highlights the ongoing security concerns surrounding him.
US intelligence agencies are on high alert regarding Comey's post. Both the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United States Secret Service (USSS) are investigating the matter. Experts state that the use of ambiguous symbols or signs by any public figure is taken very seriously, especially when the matter involves a former head of state.
The issue has divided American society. One group considers it an innocent mistake by James Comey, while another sees it as a deliberate signal from a former senior official. The debate is raging on social media, with some questioning the true meaning and interpretation of the term "86".
