A mysterious Instagram post from the account of former FBI Director James Comey has ignited a political and national security storm. The image displayed the digits “8647” in seashells along the shore with the caption: “Cool shell formation on my beach walk.” Although Comey quickly deleted the photo, it spread widely on the internet and soon became the target of furious speculation, particularly among President Donald Trump supporters.
Deciphering ‘8647’ and Its Political Significance
To the general viewer, the series of numbers (8647) may not be harmless. But most Trump supporters read it as a coded message. “86” in American street lingo means to remove or get rid of someone, while “47” is used to refer to Trump as the 47th president of the United States. The reading: “get rid of” or even “take out Trump.”
Although Comey subsequently made a statement that there was no ill will on his part—”I didn’t realise some folks associate those numbers with violence”—the controversy had already started. According to Comey, he was against violence in any guise and deleted the posting when he realized the implications.
The “86” number has a diverse history. From Merriam-Webster, though its everyday usage is to throw out or expel, some have equated it to the term “eight miles out and six feet under,” an undercover killing. Urban myths even trace the origin of “86” to Chumley’s bar at 86 Bedford Street in New York, where bartenders actively escorted unruly patrons out the back door to avoid police interference. Importantly, Comey was once a U.S. Nearby Attorney
Rapid Response from Trump Supporters
Reaction from the Trump administration and Republican lawmakers was quick and heavy. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem declared, “DHS and Secret Service is investigating this threat and will respond appropriately.” FBI Director Kash Patel said that coordination with the Secret Service was confirmed, and their spokesperson again emphasized that they “take rhetoric like this very seriously.”
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.
— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) May 15, 2025
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard expressed alarm during an appearance on Fox News. “I’m very concerned for the president’s life. James Comey, in my view, should be held accountable and put behind bars for this.”
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.
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) May 15, 2025
A Social Media Firestorm
The outrage escalated on social media. Donald Trump Jr. tweeted that Comey was “calling for my dad to be murdered,” and House Speaker Mike Johnson stated that the tweet followed “TWO assassination attempts” on Trump. He said, “This is as outrageous as it is dangerous.”
Former Trump campaign manager Chris LaCivita fumed: “I’d raid his f**king house.” Meghan McCain chimed in, saying: “James Comey should at the very least get a visit from the secret service. Also is everyone mentally ill?”
Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich fanned the flames by asserting, “This assassination threat comes after President Trump’s groundbreaking Saudi speech. Comey is the latest and most dire illustration of [the Deep State] striking out with threats of violence.”
Just James Comey causally calling for my dad to be murdered.
This is who the Dem-Media worships. Demented!!!! pic.twitter.com/4LUK6crHAT
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) May 15, 2025
Not everyone perceived the post as threatening. Republicans Against Trump called out the hypocrisy: “The same individuals appalled by Comey’s bizarre post were completely okay with Trump posting a video depicting an image of Biden bound up in the back of a pickup truck.”
Longstanding Rivalry Resurfaces
This scandal is not erupting out of thin air. Comey and Trump have had tensions building between them for years. In 2017, Trump suddenly dismissed Comey when the FBI was looking into Russian election interference in 2016. That dismissal was at the heart of the Mueller probe into obstruction of justice.
Since then, Comey has emerged as one of Trump’s strongest critics. He has openly compared Trump to a mafia don, questioned his morals, and laid out their acrimonious relationship in a bestseller memoir.
