Could your '8647' merch get you in trouble?
James Comey has been indicted on felony charges for allegedly threatening the president's life through an Instagram post arranging seashells into the numbers 8647, a phrase some interpret as political dissent. The case has raised concerns about whether sellers and buyers of '8647' merchandise, such as Florida congressional candidate Mark Davis, could face similar legal action. Legal experts argue that such expression likely constitutes protected political speech under the First Amendment and lacks the specific intent required for a true threat.
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U.S. newsCould your '8647' merch get you in trouble?James Comey was indicted on suspicion of threatening the president's life by posting an Instagram photo of seashells arranged in the numbers 8647. Will buyers and sellers of the merch meet the same fate?Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00NBC NewsShareAdd NBC News to GoogleMay 1, 2026, 5:00 AM EDTBy Pilar MelendezFlorida congressional candidate Mark Davis sells “8647” T-shirts and hats on his campaign website — the same numerical shorthand to express discontent over President Donald Trump, central to the case against a former FBI director.
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