Did Former FBI Director Call for Violence Against Trump? Instagram Post Sparks Uproar
James Comey, the former FBI Director famously fired by Donald Trump during his first term, sparked a political firestorm this week after posting a cryptic image to Instagram containing the number “8647.” The post was swiftly interpreted by some Trump supporters as a coded call for violence against the 47th president — Donald Trump.
Comey later deleted the post and denied any violent intent. However, U.S. Secret Service officials and other law enforcement agencies confirmed Thursday that they are reviewing the matter.
What’s Behind the Number?
The controversy centers around the meaning of the number “8647,” which appeared without any context or caption in Comey’s Instagram post. Among Trump supporters and conservative commentators, the number was quickly dissected and interpreted as a veiled threat.
In American slang, the term “86” is sometimes used as a verb meaning to get rid of someone — originally in the context of refusing service or expelling someone from a bar. However, in some circles, it has also been interpreted as a euphemism for killing. The number “47” is widely associated with Trump, who is running to become the 47th President of the United States.
The combination — “86” and “47” — was thus read by some as a dangerous call to "eliminate" Trump. The backlash online was immediate, with social media platforms flooded with both outrage and speculation.
Comey Responds, Authorities Investigate
Following the uproar, Comey removed the post and issued a statement clarifying that he had not intended any harm or coded message. He claimed he was unaware of the interpretation some would assign to the number and dismissed any suggestion of violent intent as “nonsense.”
Nonetheless, the Secret Service confirmed it is aware of the incident and, in line with standard protocol, has opened a preliminary investigation. “We take all potential threats to protectees seriously,” a spokesperson said.
The former FBI chief has long been a controversial figure in U.S. politics. Appointed by President Obama and dismissed by Trump in 2017, Comey has been both praised and criticized across the political spectrum for his handling of high-profile investigations into both Hillary Clinton and Trump himself.
A Dangerous Climate
The incident comes amid an already tense political atmosphere in the U.S., with rhetoric escalating ahead of the 2024 presidential election. While Comey's post may ultimately prove to be a misunderstanding or a poorly judged joke, experts warn that any public figure — especially one with Comey’s profile — must be cautious in how their words and actions may be perceived.
For now, the post remains deleted, but the controversy continues to stir debate over free speech, accountability, and the charged political climate surrounding Trump’s bid to return to the White House.
What’s Behind the Number?
The controversy centers around the meaning of the number “8647,” which appeared without any context or caption in Comey’s Instagram post. Among Trump supporters and conservative commentators, the number was quickly dissected and interpreted as a veiled threat.
In American slang, the term “86” is sometimes used as a verb meaning to get rid of someone — originally in the context of refusing service or expelling someone from a bar. However, in some circles, it has also been interpreted as a euphemism for killing. The number “47” is widely associated with Trump, who is running to become the 47th President of the United States.
The combination — “86” and “47” — was thus read by some as a dangerous call to "eliminate" Trump. The backlash online was immediate, with social media platforms flooded with both outrage and speculation.
Comey Responds, Authorities Investigate
Following the uproar, Comey removed the post and issued a statement clarifying that he had not intended any harm or coded message. He claimed he was unaware of the interpretation some would assign to the number and dismissed any suggestion of violent intent as “nonsense.”
Nonetheless, the Secret Service confirmed it is aware of the incident and, in line with standard protocol, has opened a preliminary investigation. “We take all potential threats to protectees seriously,” a spokesperson said.
The former FBI chief has long been a controversial figure in U.S. politics. Appointed by President Obama and dismissed by Trump in 2017, Comey has been both praised and criticized across the political spectrum for his handling of high-profile investigations into both Hillary Clinton and Trump himself.
A Dangerous Climate
The incident comes amid an already tense political atmosphere in the U.S., with rhetoric escalating ahead of the 2024 presidential election. While Comey's post may ultimately prove to be a misunderstanding or a poorly judged joke, experts warn that any public figure — especially one with Comey’s profile — must be cautious in how their words and actions may be perceived.
For now, the post remains deleted, but the controversy continues to stir debate over free speech, accountability, and the charged political climate surrounding Trump’s bid to return to the White House.
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