The U.S. Department of Justice has filed fresh charges against former FBI Director James Comey, accusing him of making threats against former President Donald Trump. This new case centers around an Instagram photo that featured seashells arranged in the pattern "86 47."
The indictment, submitted to the Eastern District of North Carolina, claims that Comey "knowingly and willfully threatened the life of the President of the United States" by sharing an image in May 2025 that "a reasonable person familiar with the context would interpret as a genuine expression of intent to harm the president."
The term "86" is often used as slang for "getting rid of" or, in some circles, "to kill," while "47" is a reference to Trump as the 47th president of the United States.
Comey deleted his post shortly after it went live, denying any malicious intent. He stated, "I was unaware that some associate those numbers with violence," further clarifying, "I oppose any form of violence, which is why I took down the post."
Following the post, the Secret Service interviewed Comey in May 2025, prompted by claims from the Trump administration that he was inciting violence against the president.
Interim Attorney General Todd Blanche announced that a grand jury has issued an arrest warrant. However, he clarified that they anticipate Comey will voluntarily surrender to authorities in North Carolina this week.
"It's not my decision; you cannot threaten the President of the United States," Blanche remarked, emphasizing the seriousness of the charge.
The Department of Justice assured that "Mr. Comey will be afforded all due process and a fair trial," reaffirming their commitment to prosecuting anyone who breaks the law, irrespective of their title or position.
Comey's defense team has adamantly dismissed the charges. His attorney, Patrick Fitzgerald, asserted, "Mr. Comey categorically denies the charges in the indictment. We will challenge these allegations in court and look forward to clearing Mr. Comey's name while upholding the First Amendment."
This marks the second indictment against Comey within a year. The first, filed in September 2025 for allegedly lying to Congress and obstruction, was dismissed on November 24, 2025, by federal judge Cameron McGowan Currie, who deemed the interim prosecutor Lindsey Halligan's appointment illegal and unconstitutional.
The dismissal was "without prejudice," meaning the door was left open for new charges.
Comey led the FBI from 2013 until 2017 when Trump fired him during the probe into Russian interference in the 2016 election, an event that led to the appointment of Special Counsel Robert Mueller.
This case unfolds as the DOJ intensifies its scrutiny of figures perceived as political adversaries of the president. Meanwhile, Blanche—who took over from Pam Bondi as interim attorney general in April 2026—is seeking to secure his position as the permanent nominee for the role.
In a May 2025 interview with Fox News, Trump was explicit about Comey's post: "A child knows what that meant. If you're the FBI director and don't know what that meant; it meant murder. And it says it loud and clear."
Understanding the Legal Implications of Comey's Indictment
What are the charges against James Comey?
James Comey faces charges related to allegedly making threats against former President Donald Trump through an Instagram post involving coded imagery.
Why was the previous case against Comey dismissed?
The previous case was dismissed because the interim prosecutor was appointed in a manner deemed illegal and unconstitutional by the judge.
What does the term "86 47" signify in this context?
In this context, "86" is slang for "to get rid of" or "to kill," and "47" refers to Trump as the 47th president of the United States.