- By Supratik Das
- Fri, 16 May 2025 04:38 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Ex-FBI Director James Comey faced a federal investigation after sharing a provocative photo on Instagram, which seemed to show the digits "8647", with accusations of a subtle threat being made against US President Donald Trump. The US Secret Service and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have launched an investigation, according to reports, amid backlash from Trump supporters and widespread alarm on social media.
James Comey, the former Director of the FBI between 2013 and 2017, who was dismissed by President Trump, removed the post after facing increasing criticism. The photo included a collection of seashells arranged in a pattern that resembled the figure 8647, which he titled "cool shell formation on my beach walk."
What Does 8647 Mean?
The term of controversy revolves around the series of numbers "8647." In US slang, "86" is used to mean getting rid of something or eliminating it. The number "47" is also being used by many on the internet to imply Trump could the 47th President of the United States. Collectively, "8647" is being interpreted by critics as a cryptic call to take out Trump, a charge which has caused political storms and prompted an official probe.
In a subsequent post, Comey made his stance clear, "I posted a photo earlier of some shells I noticed today on a beach stroll that I thought were a political statement. I didn't know some people equated those numbers to violence. Never crossed my mind, but I'm against violence of any sort, so I removed the post."
Trump Supporters Respond Harshly
Donald Trump Jr. reacted wrathfully on X (formerly Twitter), saying, "Just James Comey casually asking for my dad to be killed. This is who the Dem-Media adores. Demented!!!!" Right-wing commentator Laura Loomer charged Comey with encouraging violence: "Former FBI Director James Comey just put this on his Instagram 2 hours ago… This is a call for the assassination of President Trump by the former FBI Director!" Another user at X posted, "He is supposed to expect us to think a man who was in charge of the FBI doesn't know gang or mafia code speak? I don't believe it. It should be investigated at least."
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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that both the Secret Service and DHS are investigating the post. "Disgraced FBI Director James Comey just called for POTUS Trump to be assassinated. DHS and Secret Service is looking into this threat and will take action accordingly," Noem declared on X.
James Comey has continued to be a divisive character since his termination from the FBI, with right-wing critics frequently accusing him of deep-state politics. This latest scandal has further heightened tensions. Though Comey maintains the post was misinterpreted, federal authorities take the issue seriously because of the character of the implied threat and the public profile of the former Director of the FBI.
