James Comey Deletes Post Depicting '8647' After Backlash Online
By Anna Commander
Former FBI Director James Comey apparently posted a photo of shells on a beach that were aligned to read "8647" and has since sparked backlash online by those saying it is a "threat" aimed at President Donald Trump.
Newsweek reached out to Comey via his book website and the White House by email on Thursday.
Why It Matters
Comey was appointed by former President Barack Obama, and during Trump's first term led the reopened investigation into former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's use of her personal email.
Trump later fired Comey—a move that triggered pushback—for his handling of the investigation. Comey has since been a noted critic of Trump, especially during the president's legal battles involving his handling of classified documents.
What To Know
In a since-deleted post on an Instagram account using Comey's name, the former FBI director said, "Cool shell formation on my beach walk." The account has over 130,000 followers.
The post sparked immediate criticism from conservatives. It is immediately unknown to Newsweek at the time of publication if Comey's account was hacked or tampered with in any way.
Donald Trump Jr. reacted on X, formerly Twitter, on Thursday: "Just James Comey causally [sic] calling for my dad to be murdered. This is who the Dem-Media worships. Demented!!!!"
Meghan McCain, daughter of late Republican Senator John McCain of Arizona, posted on X, saying, "Don't know how this can be interpreted as any other way but a threat against President Trump. James Comey should at the very least get a visit from the secret service. Also is everyone mentally ill?"
The phrase "8647" is perceived to be an anti-Trump message, with lawmakers like Republican Senator Mike Lee calling for Americans to condemn its use.
The association to Trump is that he is the 47th president of the United States, and the term "86" generally signifies to eliminate something (or someone) as a mafia reference commonly understood to mean "take eight miles out of town and put six feet under ground." In the restaurant industry, it can also mean that a dish is no longer available, according to Chef's Resource.
In a new post on Instagram, Comey said he saw the shells and "assumed" they were "a political message. I didn't realize some folks associate those numbers with violence."
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Comey added that, "It never occurred to me but I oppose violence of any kind so I took the post down."
James Comey post
In a photo observed by Newsweek, former FBI Director James Comey apparently posted a photo of shells on a beach aligned to read "8647," which some are calling a threat to President Donald Trump. (Photo... More
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also reacted to the post on X, calling out Comey: "Disgraced former FBI Director James Comey just called for the assassination of @POTUS Trump. DHS and Secret Service is investigating this threat and will respond appropriately."
In an email to Newsweek on Thursday, a Secret Service spokesperson said, "The Secret Service vigorously investigates anything that can be taken as a potential threat against our protectees. We take this responsibility very seriously and we are aware of the social media posts in question. Beyond that, we do not comment on protective intelligence matters."
What People Are Saying
FBI Director Kash Patel posted to X on Thursday: "We are aware of the recent social media post by former FBI Director James Comey, directed at President Trump. We are in communication with the Secret Service and Director Curran. Primary jurisdiction is with SS on these matters and we, the FBI, will provide all necessary support."
Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene posted to X on Thursday: "How many times are Democrats going to try to assassinate President Trump??? Here is former FBI Director James Comey!!!! 👇"
Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee posted to X on Thursday: "James Comey is posting cryptic messages online alluding to getting rid of President Trump. Would he like to explain what he means by this given the assassination attempts on President Trump? Take a look, @FBIDirectorKash @FBI."
What Happens Next
It is not immediately clear how the Secret Service, FBI or Homeland Security will proceed.
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