Secret Service Interviews James Comey After '8647' Post: What to Know
By Gabe Whisnant
Former FBI Director James Comey was interviewed by the U.S. Secret Service on Friday regarding a controversial Instagram post that has drawn accusations of inciting violence against President Donald Trump.
CNN aired footage showing the 64-year-old Comey leaving his suburban Virginia home en route to the Secret Service's Washington, D.C., field office for a "voluntary interview."
Newsweek reached out to the Secret Service, and to Comey through his book publisher, via email on Friday afternoon for comment.
Why It Matters
Comey's post featured a photo of seashells arranged to form the number "8647," which some interpreted as a veiled threat—"86" being slang for "eliminate" and "47" referencing Trump as the 47th U.S. president. Comey deleted the post and said he had no intention of promoting violence, explaining that he was unaware of the potential connotation.
The term "86" carries different contexts depending on the setting, including in the restaurant industry or the broader general definition of banning or kicking someone out of a venue like a bar, club, casino, etc.
Comey interview
James Comey speaks onstage with MSNBC's Nicolle Wallace at 92NY on May 30, 2023, in New York City. AFP/Getty Images
What To Know
The incident has sparked significant political backlash, with Trump and his allies condemning the post as a call for assassination. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard have called for legal action against Comey.
"If you're the FBI director and you don't know what that meant? That meant assassination. And it says it loud and clear," Trump said during a Fox News interview on Friday. "Now, he wasn't very competent, but he was competent enough to know what that meant."
FBI Director Kash Patel said Thursday on X that his agency was "in communication with the Secret Service and Director [Sean] Curran. Primary jurisdiction is with SS on these matters and we, the FBI, will provide all necessary support."
The prospect of Comey being prosecuted is quite low, multiple legal experts told Newsweek.
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What People Are Saying
Noem posted to X on Friday: "Today, federal agents from @SecretService interviewed disgraced former FBI Director Comey regarding a social media post calling for the assassination of President Trump. I will continue to take all measures necessary to ensure the protection of @POTUS Trump. This is an ongoing investigation."
George Washington University Law School professor Jonathan Turley told Newsweek, "I have been one of Comey's long-standing critics. However, I do not believe that this would be a viable criminal case.
"The term '86' is subject to a wide array of interpretations. Comey could argue a lack of intent to convey a violent message as opposed to a political rejection of Trump. That does not mean that the message cannot be legitimately criticized as reckless at a time of increasing political violence."
Former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani agreed, telling Newsweek that "86" if meant in a political context could simply mean impeaching Trump.
He also wondered where similar outrage was when conservatives had effigies of former President Joe Biden or consistently referred to him as "Let's Go Brandon." Individuals on social media make similar remarks daily and nothing happens, he added.
"It's politics, it's not the law. Everyone's up in arms like it's a real threat. It's not. Statutes can be struck down as applied if they are overbroad. I think that's what would happen here."
What Happens Next
The Secret Service investigation is ongoing as authorities assess the implications of the post.
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