Former FBI Director James Comey Faces Second Federal Indictment Over Social Media Post
A North Carolina grand jury indicted former FBI Director James Comey over a social media photo of seashells arranged to spell “86 47” that Trump supporters viewed as a presidential threat.
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA — A federal grand jury in North Carolina has indicted former FBI Director James Comey over a social media photo showing seashells arranged to read “86 47,” marking the second criminal case against the longtime target of President Donald Trump’s criticism.
The U.S. Department of Justice obtained the indictment on Tuesday, according to multiple media reports. The Associated Press reported that the charges relate to a photo Comey posted on social media, citing a person familiar with the matter. ABC News confirmed the grand jury was located in North Carolina, where Comey was vacationing when he took the controversial photograph last year.
Photo Interpreted as Presidential Threat
Trump supporters have interpreted the seashell arrangement as a veiled threat against the president. The number “86” is commonly used as slang for removing or getting rid of something, while “47” could reference Trump’s position as the 47th president.
Comey has maintained the photo was not intended as a call to violence and subsequently deleted the social media post. The former FBI director has faced sustained criticism from Trump for overseeing the bureau’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.
Second Criminal Case Against Comey
This marks the second federal indictment against Comey in less than eight months. A federal grand jury in Virginia previously charged him in September with lying to Congress and obstructing a congressional proceeding. Those allegations stem from his 2020 testimony about the FBI’s investigation into links between Russia and the Trump campaign. Comey has pleaded not guilty to those charges.
The new prosecution comes during a period of increased legal action by the Trump administration against political opponents. Last week, the Justice Department obtained an indictment against the Southern Poverty Law Center, an organization that has long drawn conservative criticism.
Justice Department Leadership Changes
The indictment arrives as the Justice Department operates under interim leadership. Todd Blanche, who previously served as Trump’s personal defense attorney, is currently acting as U.S. attorney general following Pam Bondi’s departure. Trump has not yet nominated a permanent replacement for the position.
The Justice Department scheduled a news conference for Tuesday afternoon but did not disclose the specific topic to be addressed. The timing coincides with the announcement of Comey’s latest legal troubles.
The escalating legal battles represent a significant development in the ongoing tensions between Trump and former law enforcement officials who investigated his administration. Comey’s case has become emblematic of the broader political divide over the role of federal agencies and their relationship with presidential administrations.
