WASHINGTON, April 29, 2026 James Comey charged over Instagram post with alleged Trump threat Former FBI Director James Comey faces new charges from the U.S. Justice Department over an Instagram post featuring a shell formation of the numbers "86" and "47," which prosecutors claim constituted a threat against former President Donald Trump.
Prosecution's Allegations
The Justice Department alleges that Comey's post, which displayed two numbers arranged in shells—"86" and "47"—carried a hidden meaning indicating intent to harm Trump. Prosecutors argue that the combination of these numbers, particularly "86," which Merriam-Webster defines as an outdated term meaning "to reject" or "to remove," suggests a serious threat when paired with "47."
This marks the second time Trump’s Justice Department has pursued legal action against Comey, reflecting ongoing tensions between the former president and the ex-FBI chief. The case has drawn attention due to its unusual basis in social media imagery rather than direct statements or actions.
Legal experts note that the interpretation of numeric symbolism in criminal cases is rare, raising questions about the strength of the prosecution's argument. No explicit verbal or written threat from Comey has been cited in the charges.
Context of the Comey-Trump Feud
The relationship between Comey and Trump has been contentious since the 2016 U.S. elections, when Comey, then leading the FBI, oversaw investigations into Russian interference and later Trump’s dismissal of him in 2017. The new charges add another layer to their long-standing conflict, which has included public disputes and legal battles.