FBI Launches Investigation Into James Comey Tweet Interpreted as Threat Toward Trump

Federal authorities are investigating a controversial social media post made by former FBI Director James Comey, after many online users interpreted his message as a veiled threat against President Donald Trump.

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed Thursday that multiple federal agencies were coordinating on the matter following a since-deleted post by Comey that appeared to reference violence toward the 47th president.

“We are aware of the recent social media post by former FBI Director James Comey, directed at President Trump,” Patel wrote on X. “We are in contact with the Secret Service and Director Curran. Primary jurisdiction lies with the Secret Service, and the FBI will provide full support.”

The controversy began when Comey shared an image of seashells arranged in the sand forming the numbers “86 47”, along with the caption: “Cool shell formation on my beachwalk.”

The post immediately triggered alarm among Trump supporters and political commentators. In common slang, the number “86” can mean to eliminate or kill, and the “47” was widely interpreted as referring to Trump’s position as the 47th president of the United States.

Comey later deleted the post and attempted to downplay the uproar, writing, “Didn’t realize some folks associate those numbers with violence.”

Trump Responds

In an interview with Fox News, President Trump sharply criticized Comey’s explanation, calling it “insulting” and “transparent.”

“He knew exactly what that meant — a child could tell you what that meant,” Trump said. “If you’re the former FBI Director and you pretend not to know that ‘86’ means assassination, you’re lying. He wasn’t good at his job, but he’s not that clueless.”

Trump suggested that the former FBI chief’s post represented a serious security threat and urged federal officials to treat it accordingly.

Secret Service and DHS Step In

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who oversees the Secret Service, confirmed that an investigation was underway.

“DHS and the Secret Service are investigating this threat and will respond appropriately,” Noem posted.

National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard also weighed in, saying the incident should not be brushed off as a misunderstanding.

Appearing on Fox News, Gabbard told host Jesse Watters that Comey’s denial “defied belief.”

“There’s no way the former FBI Director doesn’t know what ‘86 Trump’ means,” Gabbard said. “This is a man who spent years prosecuting organized crime figures who used that exact phrase — he knows it refers to killing someone.”

She noted that Comey’s follow-up post acknowledged that the message carried political meaning, which, in her view, contradicted his claim of ignorance.

“The only reason he knew it was political is because, just weeks ago, anti-Trump activists online were promoting the same phrase, ‘86-47,’ as a coded call for violence,” Gabbard continued. “For him to pretend otherwise is either reckless or deliberately deceptive.”

Escalating Political Tensions

The controversy arrives at a volatile moment for national politics, following two recent reported attempts on President Trump’s life.

“When we have people actually trying to assassinate a sitting president, someone like Comey posting that message is incredibly dangerous,” Gabbard warned. “He’s been held up by the media as a model of integrity, but what he did here was signal approval for violence.”

She accused media outlets such as CNN and MSNBC of elevating Comey despite what she described as his “deep political bias” against Trump.

“This is the same man the establishment praised as a hero of justice,” Gabbard said. “Now he’s essentially posting what looks like a coded threat toward the president.”

Federal Inquiry Underway

Law enforcement officials have not disclosed whether Comey has been questioned, but multiple agencies have confirmed coordination between the FBI, Secret Service, and Department of Homeland Security.

A senior security official speaking on condition of anonymity said the agencies were “taking the matter seriously” but emphasized that no official charges had been filed.

Legal analysts note that even suggestive statements online can trigger federal investigations if they appear to incite or imply violence toward government officials.

“When a public figure — especially a former law enforcement leader — uses language or symbols that can be construed as a threat, it crosses into potentially criminal territory,” said one former federal prosecutor. “Intent will be key to determining whether Comey’s post violated federal law.”

Public Reaction

Social media has been flooded with calls for accountability. Supporters of President Trump have demanded Comey’s arrest, while others have defended the post as an innocent coincidence.

However, the broader political fallout is undeniable. Many commentators say the incident underscores the level of hostility and distrust that has come to define American politics in the Trump era.

As one conservative analyst put it: “When even former FBI directors are making posts that can be read as violent threats, it tells you how far the temperature has risen in this country.”

For now, Comey’s intentions remain unclear — but the investigation continues, and Washington is watching closely.