Secret Service Interviews Comey Over Controversial Social Media Post
Secret Service Questions Comey Over Social Media Post
Former FBI Director James Comey found himself in hot water this week after a social media post sparked controversy and prompted an investigation by the Secret Service.
The Post and its Interpretation
On Thursday, Comey shared a picture of seashells on Instagram. The arrangement of the shells appeared to form the numbers “86 47”. While Comey described it as a simple observation of a cool shell formation, many, including several Trump administration officials, interpreted the post as a veiled threat against President Trump. “86” is slang for getting rid of someone, and in some circles, it can also mean “to kill.”
Trump Administration Response
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that Comey had been interviewed by the Secret Service, stating that she would take “all measures necessary to ensure the protection” of the President. The Secret Service, which falls under the Department of Homeland Security, is typically involved in investigations into threatening comments or posts. However, an interview does not necessarily indicate that charges are being considered.
“A Child Knows What That Meant”
During an interview on Fox News, President Trump himself weighed in on the controversy, stating, “He knew exactly what that meant. A child knows what that meant. If you’re the FBI director and you don’t know what that meant, that meant assassination. And it says it loud and clear.” Trump left the decision on whether charges should be filed up to Attorney General Pam Bondi, but emphasized the seriousness of the situation.
The Deleted Post and Comey’s Explanation
Comey deleted the Instagram post shortly after it was made. He later explained that he had thought the shells formed a political message and hadn’t realized the numbers could be interpreted as a threat. He wrote, “I posted earlier a picture of some shells I saw today on a beach walk, which I assumed were a political message. I didn’t realize some folks associate those numbers with violence.”
A History of Tension
The latest incident is just the latest chapter in a long and strained relationship between Trump and Comey. Their dynamic dates back to 2017 when Comey was the FBI director. The relationship was particularly tense after Comey refused to pledge his loyalty to Trump and ultimately led to Comey’s firing by Trump in 2017 amid an FBI investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.
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