Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Thursday that federal officials are investigating former FBI Director James Comey over a now-deleted Instagram post that Republicans claim was a coded threat against President Donald Trump.
Disgraced former FBI Director James Comey just called for the assassination of @POTUS Trump.
— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) May 15, 2025
DHS and Secret Service is investigating this threat and will respond appropriately.
The post featured a photo of seashells arranged in what appeared to resemble the numbers “86 47,” which some interpreted as slang for killing Trump, the 47th president. Comey later said he didn’t realize the numbers carried violent connotations and removed the post, stating he opposes violence “of any kind.”
We are aware of the recent social media post by former FBI Director James Comey, directed at President Trump. We are in communication with the Secret Service and Director Curran. Primary jurisdiction is with SS on these matters and we, the FBI, will provide all necessary support.
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) May 15, 2025
Still, Trump officials, including Noem and FBI Director Kash Patel, said law enforcement is taking the post seriously. Trump’s son, Donald Jr., accused Comey of “calling for my dad to be murdered.” White House Deputy Chief of Staff James Blair said the message could serve as a signal to foreign actors as Trump tours the Middle East. Comey was fired by Trump in 2017 during his first term.
