A simple photo of seashells has ignited a firestorm in conservative circles after former FBI Director James Comey shared an Instagram post that some interpreted as a veiled threat against former President Donald Trump. The now-deleted image showed the numbers “8647” arranged with seashells on a beach, which MAGA supporters claimed was a coded message aimed at harming the 47th president.
Comey captioned the photo: “Cool shell formation on my beach walk.” While the image may have seemed innocent at first glance, it didn’t take long for critics to accuse him of intentionally referencing “86,” a slang term that, while commonly used in restaurants to mean “get rid of,” has also taken on more sinister interpretations in recent months. According to Merriam-Webster, the phrase has recently been understood by some to mean “to kill,” especially in light of threats and attempts on Trump’s life.
That context is exactly what triggered a wave of backlash from Trump officials and conservative commentators, many of whom believe Comey’s post was far from harmless.
While President Trump is currently on an international trip to the Middle East, the former FBI Director puts out what can clearly be interpreted as “a hit” on the sitting President of the United States—a message etched in the sand.
— Taylor Budowich (@Taylor47) May 15, 2025
This is deeply concerning to all of us and is… pic.twitter.com/RF0Dl3t1JF
“This is deeply concerning to all of us and is being taken seriously,” said Taylor Budowich, deputy chief of staff at the White House, in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “American leadership has been restored and peace is on the horizon. This has left the Deep State desperate and dangerous—Comey is only the latest and most disturbing example of them lashing out through threats of violence.”
The response was swift and widespread. Not only did Comey delete the photo, but he also issued a follow-up statement clarifying his intentions.
“I posted earlier a picture of some shells I saw today on a beach walk, which I assumed were a political message,” Comey wrote. “I didn’t realize some folks associate those numbers with violence. It never occurred to me but I oppose violence of any kind so I took the post down.”
Despite the clarification, the matter attracted the attention of federal authorities. Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi confirmed that the agency was reviewing the situation.
We vigorously investigate anything that can be taken as a potential threat against our protectees. We are aware of the social media posts by the former FBI Director & we take rhetoric like this very seriously. Beyond that, we do not comment on protective intelligence matters. pic.twitter.com/uhYSB7GYvt
— Anthony Guglielmi (@SecretSvcSpox) May 16, 2025
“We vigorously investigate anything that can be taken as a potential threat against our protectees,” Guglielmi stated on X. “We are aware of the social media posts by the former FBI Director & we take rhetoric like this very seriously.”
FBI Director Kash Patel expressed his full support for the Secret Service’s probe, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem echoed similar sentiments, pledging to “respond appropriately” to what was perceived as a threat.
Comey’s rocky history with Trump has long been a point of political tension. Their conflict dates back to Trump’s first term in office, when Comey was serving as FBI director. In 2017, Trump fired Comey while he was leading a federal investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. The firing sparked a wave of controversy and further deepened the divide between the two men.
Comey later released a memoir chronicling his experience under Trump, which only escalated the public feud. In response, Trump labeled him a “proven leaker and liar,” further cementing Comey’s status as a longtime political adversary.
Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., was among the loudest voices criticizing Comey over the Instagram post.
Just James Comey causally calling for my dad to be murdered.
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) May 15, 2025
This is who the Dem-Media worships. Demented!!!! pic.twitter.com/4LUK6crHAT
“Just James Comey causally [sic] calling for my dad to be murdered,” Trump Jr. wrote on X. “This is who the Dem-Media worships. Demented!!!!”
The uproar didn’t stop there. Republican lawmakers on Capitol Hill were quick to weigh in. House Speaker Mike Johnson noted that Trump has already been the target of two assassination attempts—one during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania last July, and another in Florida two months later.
“Former disgraced FBI director James Comey is either threatening to kill Donald Trump or suggesting someone should,” Johnson posted. “This is as outrageous as it is dangerous.”
Representative Andy Ogles of Tennessee went a step further, sending a formal letter to both FBI Director Kash Patel and Secret Service Director Sean Curran calling for a joint investigation into the incident.
I just sent a letter to Secret Service Director Sean Curran and FBI Director Kash Patel, urging an immediate joint investigation into former FBI Director James Comey for a disturbing social media post in which he called to “86” President Trump.
— Rep. Andy Ogles (@RepOgles) May 16, 2025
The letter requests a formal… pic.twitter.com/mJLp22WNGZ
“The Left spent years claiming Republicans were guilty of ‘stochastic terrorism’ for expressing strong political opinions. Now, a former FBI Director appears to openly endorse assassinating the President—and they say nothing,” Ogles wrote. “If Comey broke the law, he shouldn’t get a pass. He should be in handcuffs.”
Outrage over the post extended beyond lawmakers and into MAGA-aligned circles online. Far-right commentator Laura Loomer dismissed Comey’s explanation outright, accusing him of using the post as a deliberate provocation.
“He’s always been a liar obsessed with getting Trump,” Loomer posted on X. “Lock Comey up! THE FBI SHOULD RAID HIS HOME AND ARREST HIM!”
After massive backlash and a response from the White House and DHS, which will now result in an investigation by US @SecretService, James @Comey, the former FBI Director, has DELETED his Instagram post calling for the assassination of President Trump.
— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) May 15, 2025
He’s now claiming he… https://t.co/oZ64hsRqzB pic.twitter.com/yKJjDgs14J
Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones also chimed in, accusing Comey of attempting to undermine the will of Trump’s supporters.
“Comey wants to ‘86’ the people’s will and the return of the American republic,” Jones said. “This guy needs to be in prison.”
MAGA influencer Rogan O’Handley, known online as DC_Draino, joined the chorus of critics calling for legal consequences.
“Comey must face justice for inciting violence against the president,” O’Handley wrote.
The controversy underscores the current political climate, where symbolic gestures or perceived messages can quickly spiral into national-level debates. What Comey described as a “cool shell formation” turned into a flashpoint for accusations, investigations, and renewed partisan hostilities.
While no formal charges have been filed and the post has been taken down, the incident highlights the scrutiny that public figures, especially those with a contentious past, face in today’s highly polarized environment. Whether the photo was an innocent upload or a misstep with unintended implications, the reaction it sparked made clear that the political landscape remains on edge.
As of now, the Secret Service investigation remains ongoing, and officials have not indicated when they might reach a conclusion about whether any laws were violated.
