Following a contentious social media statement by former FBI Director James Comey that was widely perceived as a covert threat against President Donald Trump, the U.S. Secret Service has increased protection.
Comey faced harsh criticism on Thursday after posting a picture of seashells on a beach in the shape of the number “8647” with the caption, “cool shell formation on my beachwalk.”
Trump fans took the message, which was eventually taken down, as a coded demand for killing and it immediately provoked criticism.
“86” is a frequent slang term for removing someone, based on the proportions of a typical burial, which are eight feet long and six feet deep, according to online interpretations, while “47” refers to Trump as the 47th President of the United States.
Comey later clarified her post in reaction to the public backlash, saying, “I thought the shells I shared earlier were a political message because I noticed them today while walking on the beach.
“I had no idea that those figures were linked to violence by some people. Although it never occurred to me, I removed the message because I reject all forms of violence.
Read Also: 2024/25 La Liga: Messi, Real Madrid Speak After Barcelona’s Title Victory
Homeland Security said that it is taking the issue seriously. Kristi Noem, the secretary of DHS, said on X that the post is being investigated by the Secret Service and her agency.
Disgraced former FBI Director James Comey recently demanded that @POTUS Trump be assassinated. Noem wrote, “The Secret Service and DHS are looking into this threat and will react accordingly.
Additionally, the Federal Bureau of Investigation provided input. The FBI is working with the appropriate authorities, according to current Director Kash Patel, who stated, “We are aware of the recent social media post by former FBI Director James Comey, directed at President Trump.”
“Director Curran and the Secret Service are in contact with us,” Patel expanded.
In 2017, during Trump’s first term in office, Comey, who had been named the FBI’s seventh head by President Barack Obama in 2013, was fired.
