Topline
The Secret Service and Department of Homeland Security are investigating former FBI Director James Comey, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said, after he shared an image to Instagram on Thursday showing a message made out of seashells that spelled out “86 47,”, which he later apologized for and said was not a call for political violence.
Comey served as the FBI’s director from 2013 to 2017. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Key Facts
The message in Comey’s post, which has since been removed from his Instagram profile, has been interpreted by critics as having a violent connotation toward Trump, the 47th president of the U.S., as the number “86” has long been used as a slang term to get rid of something.
Comey apologized for the post, which was captioned “Cool shell information on my beach walk,” saying in a follow-up post he assumed the shells were a political message and that he did not realize “some folks associate those numbers with violence.”
Noem accused Comey of calling for Trump’s assassination, saying federal authorities will “respond appropriately.”
FBI Director Kash Patel said he is “aware of the recent social media post by former FBI Director James Comey,” adding the bureau “will provide all necessary support” to the Secret Service.
The Secret Service and Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to Forbes’ request for comment.
Crucial Quote
“I posted earlier a picture of some shells I saw today on a beach walk, which I assumed were a political message. I didn’t realize some folks associate those numbers with violence. It never occurred to me but I oppose violence of any kind so I took the post down,” Comey said in his apology message.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
