Former FBI Director James Comey is facing serious backlash—and a potential federal investigation—after posting a bizarre image to Instagram that critics say could be interpreted as a threat against President Trump. With tensions already running high, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard is calling for Comey’s arrest, citing serious safety concerns for the 47th President of the United States.
Gabbard Demands Arrest After Disturbing “86 47” Message
Comey’s now-deleted post featured seashells arranged in the sand to read “86 47.” He captioned it casually: “Cool shell formation on my beach walk…” But the message triggered immediate alarms across conservative circles and within the intelligence community.
Director Gabbard pulled no punches during a Fox News interview, saying: “Any other person who posted that would be in custody already. I’m very concerned for the president’s life.” Gabbard’s comments echoed the fears of many who viewed the numbers “86” (a slang term often meaning to eliminate) and “47” (a reference to Trump as the 47th president) as a coded call for violence.
Tulsi Gabbard just called for disgraced FBI director James Comey to be arrested — and said he should be IN JAIL for what he did.
He knew EXACTLY what he was doing and yes — should be investigated and pay the price. Watch @TulsiGabbard @DNIGabbard:pic.twitter.com/SItf9xjqRh
— Trish Regan (@trish_regan) May 16, 2025
Comey Claims Innocence, But Secret Service Investigates
After massive backlash, Comey deleted the post and downplayed the concerns, claiming he had no idea about the number’s implications. “I didn’t realize some folks associate those numbers with violence,” he wrote in follow-up comments.
However, the damage was done. The U.S. Secret Service confirmed it is investigating the post as a potential threat. A spokesperson stated the agency takes all such messages seriously and investigates anything that may be viewed as a credible risk to their protectees.
BREAKING: Tulsi Gabbard says James Comey should be arrested for his "86 Trump" = Get rid of Trump social media post, says the former FBI Director wants Trump eliminated and that there are plots to get rid of Trump, 79 next month. Trump has been in office for less than 4 months. pic.twitter.com/x13Ds1bOHC
— Simon Ateba (@simonateba) May 16, 2025
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also ordered DHS to assist in the investigation, calling the matter “grave.” White House Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich said Comey’s actions were “beyond reckless” and pointed out that the timing of the message—while President Trump was on a foreign trip—only adds to its troubling nature.
Political Fallout Mounts Amid Growing Outrage
Comey’s cryptic post has drawn condemnation from top Republicans and conservative leaders. Donald Trump Jr., Senator Marsha Blackburn, and Representative Tim Burchett have all called for immediate action and transparency from federal agencies. Even FBI Director Kash Patel acknowledged the severity of the situation and pledged full cooperation with any ongoing investigations.
Comey has yet to provide a full public explanation. Critics argue his history of hostility toward Trump, combined with the suggestive symbolism of the post, makes the message hard to ignore. What was brushed off as “coincidence” by the former FBI director is being treated as no laughing matter by federal law enforcement.
As threats against President Trump grow more serious and visible, many are demanding answers—and accountability. This case could set the tone for how aggressively authorities deal with potential coded threats from high-profile public figures moving forward.