Former FBI Director’s Deleted Seashell Photo Sparks Controversy and White House Condemnation

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Secret Service and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have launched an investigation into a now-deleted Instagram post by former FBI Director James Comey, which depicted seashells arranged to form the numbers “86 47” on a beach. The post, captioned “Cool shell formation on my beach walk…,” has been condemned by Trump administration officials and allies as a potential threat against the president, prompting swift backlash and calls for accountability.

The controversy erupted Thursday when Comey’s post was interpreted by some, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, as an allusion to “86 47”—slang for “kill” combined with a reference to the 47th president. Noem stated, “DHS and Secret Service are investigating this threat and will respond appropriately,” emphasizing the seriousness of the matter. White House spokesperson Kellyanne Conway echoed the sentiment, calling the post “deeply concerning” and an attempt to incite violence. Posts on X reflected similar outrage, with one user stating, “A former FBI Director causally alluding to killing the President…what a time we are living in.”

Comey, who served as FBI Director from 2013 until his termination in 2017, quickly removed the post and issued an apology, claiming he was unaware the numbers could be interpreted as a threat. “I didn’t know ‘86 47’ had any violent connotation,” he said, describing the photo as a spontaneous capture during a beach walk. Despite the apology, the investigation continues, with Representative Andy Ogles urging the FBI and Secret Service to probe further, citing the phrase’s “widely understood” implication.

The incident has reignited tensions surrounding Comey, a polarizing figure known for his vocal criticism of former President Trump. Critics, including Noem and Conway, have labeled him a “Never Trumper,” pointing to his history of public disputes with the administration. Meanwhile, some X users have speculated about harsher consequences, with one post mentioning “Gitmo” in reference to Comey’s fate, though such claims remain unsubstantiated.

As the Secret Service examines the post, the controversy underscores the heightened sensitivity around political rhetoric in a polarized climate. Neither DHS nor the Secret Service has released a timeline for the investigation’s conclusion, but the White House has signaled it is taking the matter seriously. For now, Comey’s “86 47” post remains a flashpoint, fueling debates over intent, free speech, and the responsibilities of public figures.