Former FBI Director James Comey has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of threatening President Donald Trump’s life through a deleted Instagram post.
The indictment, returned yesterday in the Eastern District of North Carolina, includes two felony counts: one for making threats against the President (18 U.S.C. § 871) and another for transmitting a threat in interstate commerce.
Prosecutors allege that in May 2025, Comey posted a photo of seashells arranged to spell out “86 47.” Officials interpret “86” as slang for “remove” or “eliminate” and “47” as referring to Trump as the 47th president, viewing the post as a coded threat. Comey deleted the post shortly afterward, stating he did not intend any violent meaning and opposes violence.
This marks the second indictment against Comey in recent months. He has responded by maintaining his innocence and expressing confidence in the federal judiciary.
The Department of Justice described the post as a serious expression of intent to harm the President when viewed in context. Comey has not been arrested yet, but an arrest warrant has been issued.
The case has sparked intense debate, with critics calling it political retribution and supporters arguing it upholds accountability for threats against the President.
