Comey had earlier anti-Trump seashell photo prior to 2024 election
Former FBI Director James Comey once again found himself in hot water after posting a controversial photo on Instagram prior to his Thursday post featuring seashells arranged to display the numbers “86 47.” The White House swiftly condemned the message, accusing Comey of attempting to incite violence against the 47th president.
This is not the first time Comey has used seashells to convey a political message. In October 2024, he posted a photo of a blue-painted seashell with the words “Vote Harris” on it, captioning the post with “Saw this at the beach. Ariel understands the assignment,” referencing the Disney character from “The Little Mermaid.”
The Secret Service announced they would be investigating Comey’s posts, including the recent one with the numbers “86 47,” which some interpreted as a coded message for a “hit” on the president. Comey quickly took down the post and issued a statement, stating that he did not realize the potential association with violence and that he opposes violence in any form.
Despite being aware of the controversy surrounding his posts, Comey has not shied away from expressing his political views on social media. The FBI, where Comey used to work before being dismissed by Trump, had no comment on the matter. However, the current FBI director, Kash Patel, acknowledged the situation and assured that the agency would provide necessary support to the Secret Service in their investigation.
Criticism of Comey’s actions poured in from various politicians, with many accusing him of fueling political violence. Senator Ted Cruz pointed out Comey’s animosity towards Trump, while Tennessee Representative Andy Ogles condemned the silence from the left on the issue.
Comey’s history of posting political messages on social media has raised concerns about his intentions and the impact of his actions. His recent Instagram post, along with previous controversial posts, has sparked debates over the line between free speech and incitement of violence.
It remains to be seen how the investigation by the Secret Service will unfold and what consequences, if any, Comey will face for his posts. As the political climate becomes increasingly polarized, it is crucial for public figures to be mindful of the messages they convey and the potential consequences of their actions on social media platforms.
