Justice department files new criminal charges against ex-FBI director Comey
The Justice Department has filed new criminal charges against former FBI director James Comey, alleging that an Instagram post he made constituted a threat against President Donald Trump. The post featured seashells arranged to display the numbers '86 47', which prosecutors claim could be interpreted as a call for violence. Comey has denied the charges and stated he will contest them in court, maintaining his innocence and emphasizing his belief in the judiciary.
- ▪James Comey was charged with making a threat against the president and transmitting that threat via social media.
- ▪The Instagram post in question featured seashells arranged to say '86 47', which prosecutors allege is a threat to Donald Trump.
- ▪Comey has previously faced legal challenges, including an indictment last year that was dismissed due to a wrongful appointment of the prosecutor.
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James Comey is surrounded by reporters after testifying at a hearing on Capitol Hill in 2018. Photograph: Chip Somodevilla/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenJames Comey is surrounded by reporters after testifying at a hearing on Capitol Hill in 2018. Photograph: Chip Somodevilla/Getty ImagesJames ComeyJustice department indicts ex-FBI director James Comey over Instagram post showing seashellsCase centers on a photo prosecutors allege was a threat to Donald Trump, while Comey says he is ‘still innocent’Sam Levine in New YorkTue 28 Apr 2026 14.23 EDTFirst published on Tue 28 Apr 2026 14.12 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleThe justice department filed new criminal charges against James Comey, the former FBI director, on Tuesday.Comey was charged in federal court in the eastern district…
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