James Comey accused of posting ‘hit’ against Trump on Instagram

Former head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation James Comey is facing criticism online after sharing a social media post that many interpreted as a veiled threat against President Donald Trump. In the post, Comey shared a photo of the numbers “8647” formed with seashells on a beach during a walk, captioning it “Cool shell formation on my beach walk.”

While some may see the numbers as harmless, it is important to note that “86” is often used as a code for killing someone, and “47” could refer to the 47th President of the United States, which is Trump’s presidency number. This led many to believe that Comey was insinuating harm towards the President.

Following the backlash on social media, including calls for his arrest from some lawmakers, Comey deleted the post and issued a statement addressing the controversy. He explained that he did not intend for the numbers to be associated with violence and that he opposes any form of violence. Despite this explanation, the backlash continued.

The FBI, where Comey previously served as Director before being fired by Trump, did not comment on the incident. However, it was clear that the agency was aware of the situation. The White House also expressed concern over the post, with Deputy Chief of Staff and Cabinet Secretary Taylor Budowich stating that the message could be interpreted as a threat against the President.

As the controversy unfolded, it highlighted the tense relationship between Comey and Trump, as well as the heightened political tensions in the country. The incident serves as a reminder of the power and impact of social media posts, especially when shared by public figures like Comey.

In conclusion, the incident involving James Comey’s social media post underscores the importance of responsible communication, especially in today’s politically charged environment. It also raises questions about the boundaries of free speech and the potential consequences of sharing content that can be misinterpreted or taken out of context. As the nation continues to grapple with political divisions, incidents like these serve as a cautionary tale for public figures and individuals alike.