Ex-FBI director James Comey charged over Instagram post threatening Trump

Former FBI Director James Comey surrendered to authorities on Wednesday to face charges alleging that an Instagram post he shared threatened the life of President Donald Trump.

The post contained a photo of seashells arranged to read "86 47," which prosecutors interpret as a call to violence against Trump, the 47th president of the United States.

Comey denies any wrongdoing, stating he was unaware of the meaning behind the numbers and claims the prosecution is politically motivated.

He did not enter a plea during his brief court appearance in Virginia.

The charges include knowingly and willfully making a threat to take the life of the president and transmitting a threat to kill him across state lines.

Each charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

Judge William Fitzpatrick read the charges and denied the Justice Department's request to impose conditions of release on Comey.

This case is significant as it marks the second criminal charge brought against Comey by the Department of Justice, highlighting ongoing political tensions involving the former FBI director and the Trump administration.

Comey's original Instagram post from May 2025 showed seashells on a beach spelling "86 47" with the caption "Cool shell formation on my beach walk." After public backlash, he deleted the post and issued a statement opposing violence and acknowledging that some associate the numbers with violent intent.

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