Grand jury indicts former FBI Director James Comey over controversial Instagram post
A federal grand jury in North Carolina has indicted former FBI Director James Comey over an Instagram post featuring the numbers '86 47' written in seashells, which prosecutors allege was a veiled threat against President Donald Trump. Comey faces two charges: threats against the president and transmitting a threat in interstate commerce, based on the interpretation that '86' means to 'nix' or 'get rid' of someone. Comey maintains his innocence, asserting that the post was not a threat and criticizing the use of the justice system in this manner.
- ▪The indictment stems from a since-deleted Instagram post showing the numbers '86 47' in seashells with the caption 'Cool shell formation on my beach walk.'
- ▪Prosecutors argue the post constitutes a credible threat under federal law, interpretable by a reasonable person as intending harm to the president.
- ▪Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche defended the indictment, stating that intent will be proven through witnesses, documents, and the defendant's own statements.
- ▪Comey has publicly stated he is innocent, not afraid, and still believes in the independent federal judiciary.
- ▪Others have used similar '86' references in different political contexts, including Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and commentator Jack Posobiec.
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ABC NewsLiveVideoShowsGood Morning AmericaShopGMAInterest Successfully AddedWe'll notify you here with news aboutTurn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? OffOnStream onJames Comey indicted again, this time over seashell Instagram postComey faces two charges, including Threats Against the President and Successors.ByKatherine Faulders, Peter Charalambous, and Alexander MallinApril 28, 2026, 6:02 PM1:40Former FBI Director James Comey speaks during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on Capitol Hill, in Washington, June 8, 2017.Andrew Harnik/APA federal grand jury in North Carolina has indicted former FBI Director James Comey over a controversial Instagram post from last year that President Donald Trump and members of his administration claimed was a threat…
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