Comey’s ’86 47′ post has diverted agents from critical investigations, Patel says

FBI Director Kash Patel has recently expressed his frustration over the need to divert agents to investigate potential threats to President Donald Trump due to a controversial social media post by former FBI Director James Comey. In an interview with Fox News’ Bret Baier, Patel disclosed that the FBI has been forced to deal with “copycats” as a result of Comey’s actions.

Patel emphasized the impact of these distractions on the FBI’s crucial work in combating child sex predators, fentanyl traffickers, and terrorists. He highlighted the seriousness of the situation, stating that individuals across the country are making threats against the president on social media because they believe they can do so with impunity, inspired by Comey’s actions.

According to an FBI official, the number of “copycat” incidents following Comey’s post is significant, although specific details cannot be disclosed due to ongoing investigations. Comey himself recently met with Secret Service officials to discuss his now-deleted Instagram post, which featured seashells arranged on a beach to spell out “86 47.” The post was widely interpreted as a veiled threat against President Trump.

The FBI official stressed the detrimental impact of such copycat threats on the agency’s resources and ability to focus on public safety priorities. The official reminded lawmakers, particularly in states like California and New York where Comey has received support, of the importance of prioritizing public safety over political stunts.

Comey attempted to clarify his post after facing backlash, claiming that he did not intend for the numbers to be associated with violence. However, President Trump dismissed Comey’s explanation, asserting that the former FBI director knew exactly what he was implying with the post.

In light of these developments, it is evident that the fallout from Comey’s social media post has had far-reaching consequences, diverting valuable FBI resources away from critical tasks. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for responsible behavior, particularly from individuals in positions of authority like Comey.