Former FBI Director James Comey blames his wife for a seashell message that the Secret Service is now investigating as a potential assassination threat against Donald Trump.
At a Glance
- Comey posted an Instagram photo of seashells forming “86 47” which many interpreted as a call to remove Trump (the potential 47th president)
- The Secret Service has launched an official investigation into the post as a potential threat
- Comey deleted the post, claiming his wife suggested it and he didn’t realize the violent implications
- The controversy comes as Comey promotes his new book about threats and violence
- Trump allies, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, accused Comey of inciting violence
Comey’s “Innocent” Seashell Message Sparks Federal Investigation
Well folks, it seems our esteemed former FBI Director can’t tell the difference between a cute beach photo and what looks suspiciously like a coded death threat. James Comey, the same man who once ran our nation’s premier law enforcement agency, posted a photo of seashells arranged to form “86 47” on Instagram with the caption “Cool shell formation on my beach walk.” For those who might be living under a rock (or seashell), “86” is well-known slang for getting rid of someone, and “47” just happens to refer to Donald Trump potentially becoming our 47th president. What a remarkable coincidence!
The Secret Service, not known for their appreciation of “artistic” beach photography that may threaten their protectees, promptly opened an investigation. Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi confirmed they are taking this seriously, stating: “We vigorously investigate anything that can be taken as a potential threat against our protectees.” When the agency responsible for presidential protection comes knocking, you know your little shell art project has crossed a line. But don’t worry, Comey voluntarily appeared for an interview with investigators – how noble of him after posting what many see as a thinly veiled threat.
The “My Wife Made Me Do It” Defense
In what has to be one of the most pathetic excuses in recent memory, Comey is now claiming that the whole thing was his wife’s idea. According to his version of events, she spotted the seashell formation, thought it looked like an address, and suggested he take a picture. Comey claims he said, “That’s really clever,” and posted it without any understanding of its potential meaning. This coming from the man who ran counterintelligence operations for the United States government. Are we really supposed to believe that the former FBI Director didn’t recognize what “86 47” might imply?
“I said: ‘That’s really clever,'” Comey told The Guardian. “So then she said, ‘You should take a picture of that,’ and I did, and then I posted it on my Instagram account and thought nothing more of it.”
After deleting the post, Comey had the audacity to say, “Even if I think it’s crazy, I don’t want to be associated with violence of any kind.” Oh really? This from the same man who’s currently promoting his new book “FDR Drive,” which conveniently centers around – wait for it – themes of social media and violence. Talk about life imitating art! I’m sure it’s just another amazing coincidence that this controversy erupted right as he’s peddling his latest literary offering.
The Trump-Comey Feud Continues
Let’s not forget the history here. Comey and Trump have a relationship that can only be described as nuclear. Trump fired Comey in 2017 during the Russian interference investigation, a move that sparked years of bitter public feuding. Comey has made no secret of his disdain for Trump, claiming their relationship deteriorated after he refused to pledge loyalty to the then-president. Is it any wonder that Trump and his allies see this seashell message as something more sinister than an innocent beach stroll snapshot?
“We are aware of the social media posts by the former FBI Director & we take rhetoric like this very seriously. Beyond that, we do not comment on protective intelligence matters.” – Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem didn’t mince words, stating that “Disgraced former FBI Director James Comey just called for the assassination of Trump.” Donald Trump Jr. and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino joined the chorus accusing Comey of inciting violence. Meanwhile, current FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that the FBI is in communication with the Secret Service regarding the post. The walls certainly seem to be closing in on Comey’s flimsy “shell game” excuse.
A Pattern of Poor Judgment
This incident is just the latest example of Comey’s questionable judgment. This is the same man who leaked memos of his conversations with President Trump to the press through a friend – hardly the behavior expected from someone who once held one of the most sensitive positions in our government. And now he wants us to believe he innocently posted what appears to be a threatening message without understanding its implications? The level of naivety required to accept this explanation would be staggering.
“The rule of law is still our saving grace. We have a judiciary in this country that will support the truth. Take solace in that. Take prudent steps, but don’t freak out. These people are not good enough for you to be freaked out about. Protect yourself, be measured about the effect the threat has on you, and know that you’re going to be OK.” – James Comey
The irony of Comey lecturing others about the rule of law while being investigated by the Secret Service for a potential threat against a former president is simply breathtaking. Perhaps he should take his own advice about “prudent steps” before posting cryptic messages that could be interpreted as calls for violence. In a political climate already charged with tension, a former FBI Director should know better than to play games with seashells – or to blame his wife when caught in the undertow of a controversy of his own making.
