Authorities and security agencies in the United States are investigating an alleged death threat against President Donald Trump. The threat was reportedly made by former FBI Director James Comey in a social media post, according to the Secretary of Homeland Security.
In a message posted on his Instagram account, James Comey shared a photo with the numbers “86 47” written in seashells.
“What a cool seashell formation on my beach walk,” Comey wrote. His post was later deleted.
Numbers That Incite Violence
The alleged meaning behind these numbers is: “86” in certain slang refers to “killing” or “getting rid of something or someone.” Meanwhile, the number “47” refers to Donald Trump as the 47th president of the United States.
Although he deleted the post, Donald Trump Jr. shared the photo on his social media and interpreted it as a death threat against his father.
“It’s just James Comey casually calling for my father’s assassination,” said the president’s eldest son.
Meanwhile, Kristi Noem also posted about the former FBI director’s photo.
“The former FBI Director James Comey called for the assassination of @POTUS Trump,” Noem wrote on X, using the acronym for President of the United States.
“The Department of Homeland Security and the Secret Service are investigating this threat and will respond appropriately,” she added.
FBI Director Kash Patel stated that his agency is “aware of the recent post targeting President Trump.”
“The primary jurisdiction in these matters lies with the Secret Service, and we, the FBI, will provide all necessary support,” Patel added.
He Deleted the Post: “I Oppose Violence”
Shortly afterward, Comey wrote that it was a “photo of some shells I saw today on a beach walk, which I assumed was a political message.”
“I didn’t think some people would associate those numbers with violence. It never occurred to me, but I oppose violence of any kind, which is why I deleted it,” the former official explained.
Trump survived an assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania on July 13, 2024. A bullet grazed his ear. The shooter was killed by Secret Service agents.
A second attempt occurred on September 15, while he was playing golf in Florida, when a man aimed a rifle at him, but the Secret Service detained the suspect.
The Republican has faced other threats throughout his career.
Image: DiarioNY
