Former FBI director James Comey’s Instagram post of seashells forming the message “8647” has sparked controversy, leading to an investigation by the US Secret Service. The post, captioned as a simple observation of a “cool shell formation,” was interpreted by Trump supporters as a veiled threat against the 47th president. The number 86, a term associated with eliminating or killing, fueled speculations of violence. Comey promptly removed the post, clarifying that he was unaware of the potential implications and condemning violence unequivocally.

The incident reignited tensions between Comey and Trump, whose contentious history dates back to Comey’s refusal to pledge loyalty to the president and subsequent dismissal while leading the Russia investigation. Noem, the US homeland security secretary, labeled Comey’s post as a threat and called for an investigation. Allies of Trump, including FBI director Kash Patel, condemned Comey’s actions, with some demanding his arrest.

The right-wing backlash against Comey highlights the deep divide in American politics, with accusations of incitement to violence intensifying the animosity between the two camps. Comey’s inadvertent controversy underscores the power of social media in shaping perceptions and the ongoing political turmoil in the United States. The investigation by the Secret Service signals the gravity of the situation, reflecting the heightened sensitivity to potential threats against public figures.