A recent social media post by former FBI Director James Comey has drawn serious backlash after it reportedly triggered a surge of threats directed at President Donald Trump. The cryptic post, which featured seashells arranged to spell out “8647,” has since been deleted but not before federal agencies were forced to respond.
The interpretation of “8647” has sparked concern among law enforcement and national security officials. The number “86” is widely understood in American slang as a reference to elimination or removal, while “47” is believed to represent Trump as the 47th President of the United States. The implication of the post, shared during a time of heightened political tension, quickly set off alarm bells.
According to FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino, the fallout was immediate. During an appearance on Fox & Friends, Bongino said the post was irresponsible and reckless, accusing Comey of triggering a wave of threats that overwhelmed federal tip lines and distracted agents from more pressing duties.
“Thousands of threats came in. We had to reassign personnel. Critical operations tracking child predators and fentanyl traffickers were paused,” Bongino stated. “This wasn’t a joke. It took manpower and diverted our agents from their actual work.”
Bongino didn’t mince words about his former bureau chief. He called Comey a “disgrace to the badge, the FBI, and the country,” and accused him of acting like “a big child” incapable of self-control. He also defended former Chief of Staff Kash Patel, who was indirectly criticized by Comey during recent public appearances.
The Department of Homeland Security and the FBI have both launched formal investigations into the post, reviewing whether it violated federal law or incited real-world threats. Current FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that multiple threats against the President’s life appear to be directly tied to the “8647” post and its spread across social media.
“The message may have seemed cryptic to some, but to others, it was a green light,” Patel said. “We have a duty to take all threats seriously, especially in light of the recent attempts on President Trump’s life.”
Indeed, the post came on the heels of two disturbing security breaches. In July 2024, a gunman opened fire at a Trump campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, grazing the former president’s ear. In September, another individual was caught attempting to infiltrate Trump’s private golf course in Florida with what authorities said were “clear assassination intentions.”
In light of these incidents, the federal response to Comey’s post has been swift and serious. Although Comey claimed the shell arrangement was innocuous — something his wife noticed during a walk on the beach — officials are unconvinced. In a May 19 interview, Comey downplayed the backlash, calling it “a distraction” and noting that “86” is common restaurant slang.
But critics argue the timing and symbolism were anything but innocent. Bongino said the post contributed to a culture that trivializes threats against conservative leaders. “It’s about time we took this seriously,” he added.
Federal officials are continuing to assess the threat landscape, especially as Trump resumes a high-profile public schedule ahead of the November elections. While Comey has not issued any follow-up statements or apologies, pressure continues to mount.
For now, the FBI remains focused on preventing further copycat threats and securing the safety of the President. The situation illustrates how even a single social media post — when shared by someone with Comey’s profile — can have dangerous real-world consequences.
As investigations proceed, federal agencies are urging public figures to be mindful of their words and actions, especially during such a volatile political climate.
Leave a Comment