Investigation Underway into James Comey’s Instagram Post
A recent social media post by former FBI director James Comey has sparked widespread controversy and landed him under investigation. According to a report by The Times, Comey posted an image on Instagram of sea shells on a beach, arranged to spell out "86 47". The seemingly innocuous post has been interpreted by many as a thinly veiled attack on President Trump, with some critics accusing Comey of advocating violence against the President.
The numbers "86" and "47" have taken on a specific meaning in certain online communities, particularly among those opposed to Trump’s presidency. As noted by dictionary publisher Merriam-Webster, "86" can mean "to throw out" or "get rid of", while "47" refers to Trump’s position as the 47th President of the United States. The term "86" has a long history, dating back to the 1930s, when it was used in slang at soda counters to indicate items that were sold out. However, in some quarters, "86" has also taken on a more sinister meaning, implying "to kill".
Comey has since defended his post, claiming he was unaware of the potential violent connotations associated with the numbers. "I photographed the shells on the beach which I assumed were a political message," he said. "I didn’t realise some folks associate those numbers with violence." The Times reports that Comey took down the post after it sparked widespread outrage.
The backlash against Comey has been swift and fierce, with some Trump supporters pointing to the attempted assassinations during the 2024 presidential campaign as evidence that such rhetoric can have real-world consequences. Donald Trump Jr has been vocal in his criticism of Comey, accusing him of "casually calling for my dad to be murdered". However, others have come to Comey’s defence, arguing that the "86 47" symbol is widely recognised as a non-violent message of resistance against Trump’s presidency.
A search of online marketplaces reveals that "86 47" merchandise is widely available, with many sellers marketing the symbol as a subtle anti-Trump message. On Amazon, customers can purchase T-shirts emblazoned with the numbers, while Etsy sellers offer waterproof stickers with the slogan "not my president". The Times notes that such merchandise is often marketed as a way for customers to express their opposition to Trump’s policies.
As the investigation into Comey’s post continues, it remains to be seen whether the former FBI director will face any consequences for his actions. While some have argued that Comey’s post was irresponsible and reckless, others have defended his right to free speech. According to The Times, Comey’s critics argue that his position as a former law enforcement official demands a higher level of responsibility and decorum. As the controversy continues to unfold, one thing is certain: James Comey’s Instagram post has sparked a fierce debate about the limits of free speech and the power of social media to shape public discourse.
