Ex-FBI Director: Former FBI Director James Comey is facing backlash after posting a photo of the number “86 47” spelled out in seashells. Many interpreted the message as a veiled threat to kill U.S. President Donald Trump. Comey, who Trump fired in 2017, later deleted the post and claimed he wasn’t aware of any violent connotation linked to the numbers.
In American slang, “86” means to “throw out,” “get rid of,” or “refuse service to,” while “47” refers to Trump, the 47th President of the United States. Comey captioned the now-deleted Instagram photo with “cool shell formation on my beach walk.” Congressman Andy Ogles accused Comey of sending “a coded suggestion to ‘eliminate 47’—that is, assassinate the President.”
The Congressman urged both authorities to investigate possible federal law violations in his letter. He demanded to know whether Mr. Comey still held security clearances or had access to classified information.
The Secret Service, responsible for protecting the president, acknowledged Mr. Comey’s post and emphasized that it takes such “rhetoric” very seriously.
After the news went viral, the U.S. Secret Service Chief of Communications responded, saying, “We vigorously investigate anything that could be seen as a potential threat against our protectees. We are aware of the social media posts by the former FBI Director and take rhetoric like this very seriously. Beyond that, we do not comment on protective intelligence matters.”
What does 8647 mean?
When the former FBI Director posted an image spelling out “8647” using shells, he sparked widespread speculation. Many people began asking, “What does this mean?” In American mafia slang, “86” means “to throw out” or “to get rid of,” while “47” refers to the 47th President of the United States—Donald Trump. Combined, “8647” translates to “get rid of Donald Trump.”
This interpretation has raised serious concerns. Several Republicans, FBI officials, Homeland Security personnel, and White House leaders have alleged that the post may be a veiled call for Trump’s assassination. Although investigators haven’t found concrete evidence yet, the post has triggered a wave of serious allegations and ongoing scrutiny.
Take a look at Ex-FBI Director Post:
We vigorously investigate anything that can be taken as a potential threat against our protectees. 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. pic.twitter.com/uhYSB7GYvt
— Anthony Guglielmi (@SecretSvcSpox) May 16, 2025
We are aware of the recent social media post by former FBI Director James Comey, directed at President Trump. We are in communication with the Secret Service and Director Curran. Primary jurisdiction is with SS on these matters and we, the FBI, will provide all necessary support.
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) May 15, 2025
FBI Director Kash Patel also took note of the post and confirmed that the FBI is in contact with Director Curran and the Secret Service. “Primary jurisdiction lies with the Secret Service on these matters, and we at the FBI will provide all necessary support,” he stated on X.
President Trump fired Mr. Comey in May 2017, early in his first term, while Comey was leading the investigation into connections between Trump’s 2016 campaign and Russia.
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