What Does "86 47" Mean? Ex-FBI Director’s Controversial Post Hinting at Trump Assassination

May 16, 2025 Komal Das

James Comey, former FBI Director, came under scrutiny for sharing a photo of "86 47" spelled out in seashells, seen as a threat to President Trump

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86 is American slang meaning “to throw out” or “get rid of” while 47 refers to Donald Trump, the 47th US President

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Comey posted the photo on Instagram on May 15 with the caption “cool shell formation on my beach walk” but later deleted it

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Congressman Andy Ogles called it a coded assassination threat and urged investigations into Comey’s access to classified info and security clearances

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The US Secret Service said they are aware of the post and take all potential threats to protectees seriously

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FBI Director Kash Patel said FBI is in contact with the Secret Service and will support investigations into the post

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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said DHS and Secret Service are investigating the threat and will respond appropriately

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Comey clarified he opposes violence, was unaware of the violent connotation of the numbers, and removed the post after backlash; Trump fired him in 2017 during the Russia investigation

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