Former FBI Director James Comey Indicted Over Seashell Instagram Post
Former FBI Director James Comey found himself at the center of controversy this week as the Justice Department charged him over a year-old social media post that they claim constituted a threat to President Trump’s life.
A grand jury returned an indictment on Tuesday, alleging that Comey “did knowingly and willfully make a threat to take the life of, and to inflict bodily harm upon, the President of the United States” when he posted a picture of seashells in the sand on a North Carolina beach back in May 2025.
The seashells were arranged to form the numbers “8647,” with the number 86 widely interpreted as meaning “get rid of,” and Trump being the 47th president.
In response to the indictment, Comey released a video on Substack where he stated, “I’m still innocent, I’m still not afraid, and I still believe in the independent federal judiciary, so let’s go.” The indictment carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years.
Comey, a vocal critic of Trump since his firing in 2017, has maintained that he viewed the shell formation as a political message, not a violent threat. He swiftly deleted the post after facing backlash but that did not prevent an investigation from being launched.
This recent indictment follows previous attempts by the Trump Justice Department to charge Comey in a separate case related to his 2020 congressional testimony, which was dismissed in November due to procedural issues.
Despite Comey’s interpretation of the seashell formation, the administration has taken all such threats seriously, especially in light of recent security breaches such as the incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner where a gunman breached a security checkpoint allegedly targeting administration officials.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, at a press conference on Tuesday, emphasized the importance of proving intent in the case, stating, “You prove intent with witnesses, with documents, with the defendant himself to the extent … it’s appropriate.”
In the fast-paced world we live in, language has evolved to take on new meanings and expressions. One such term that has caught the attention of many is “eighty-six.” Originally stemming from the soda counters of the 1930s where it meant an item was sold out, this phrase has morphed into various interpretations over the years.
According to Merriam-Webster, “eighty-six” found its roots in soda-counter slang, indicating that something was no longer available for sale. This innocent beginning shifted in the 1950s to signify refusing service to a customer and eventually broadened to mean “to get rid of, to throw out.”
Interestingly, a 1972 article from the Minneapolis Star revealed a unique origin story for the term. It mentioned how saloonkeepers, upon noticing a patron getting too drunk, would switch their drinks to 86-proof liquor, leading to the phrase “eighty-sixing” the patron.
While the service industry meaning of “86” aligns closely with its modern usage, the term has seen other interpretations emerge. Merriam-Webster acknowledges that “to kill” is one such interpretation, attributing it to a logical extension of the term.
Even though “to kill” isn’t officially recognized in the dictionary’s definition of “86” due to its recent emergence and limited use, it showcases the ever-evolving nature of language. From its humble beginnings at soda counters to potentially darker connotations, “eighty-six” continues to intrigue and spark debates on its true meaning. The term “8647” has gained traction as a subtle code for opposition to former President Donald Trump. Originally linked to various incidents involving high-profile political figures, including press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, the slogan has evolved into a symbol of anti-Trump sentiment.
Initially surfacing in a restaurant incident in 2018, where Sarah Huckabee Sanders was asked to leave, the term resurfaced during a Zoom interview with Governor Whitmer in 2020. Linguist Anne Curzan explained that “8645” or “86” could signify termination or being asked to leave, similar to the context of the Huckabee Sanders incident.
Despite its origins, “8647” has transitioned into a broader anti-Trump symbol. TikTok posts and protest signs have utilized the code to express disapproval of Trump’s presidency. Online platforms like Distractify have reported on the symbolism, indicating a stance against Trump’s administration.
Interestingly, merchandise featuring “8647” has emerged, ranging from shirts to bumper stickers, available on platforms like Amazon and Etsy. The code has even extended to “8646,” referencing President Joe Biden, highlighting the political nature of such slogans.
Critics have pointed out the selective outrage regarding the slogan, noting instances where violent rhetoric targeted Democratic politicians. Examples include Trump’s social media posts and Rep. Paul Gosar’s controversial anime video. Moreover, prominent conservatives like Jack Posobiec have also used similar slogans, emphasizing the dual nature of political discourse.
While the meaning and usage of “8647” may have evolved over time, its underlying message as a symbol of opposition remains prevalent in modern political conversations.
