Former FBI Director James Comey has come under fire on social media this week after posting an image on Instagram that many users interpreted as a supposed “call for the assassination” of President Donald Trump.
The controversy centers around a shell formation in the sand displaying the numbers “8647”, which some perceived as a coded message.
Comey, 64, posted the beach photo on Thursday with the caption: “Amazing shell formation on my beach walk”. Despite the seemingly innocent tone, internet users pointed out that the shells formed the number “8647” — a sequence that quickly sparked controversial interpretations.
Trump Jr. reacts: “Deranged!”
One of the first to respond was the president’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., who wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “Just James Comey casually calling for my father to be assassinated. This is who the Democrat media worships. Deranged!!!!”
Other pro-Trump voices echoed the accusations. Conservative activist Laura Loomer tweeted: “It’s a photo of shells in the shape of ‘86 47’. This is a call for the assassination of President Trump by the former FBI Director!”
According to interpretations by users, the number “86” is English slang for “get rid of,” and “47” refers to the 47th President of the United States — a title Trump would hold if he wins the 2024 election and returns to office in 2025.
No concrete evidence
Despite the intense reaction, so far there is no concrete evidence that Comey intended to incite violence. The original post remains on his Instagram profile and was not accompanied by any explicit political or violent message.
Comey has not commented on the accusations as of now. The White House has also not responded to the incident.
The controversy reignites debate over the interpretation of messages on social media and the boundary between freedom of speech and incitement to violence — especially in a politically polarized climate like that of the United States.
Source: Instagram @comey | X @DonaldJTrumpJr | X @LauraLoomer. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
