A now-deleted Instagram post by former FBI Director James Comey, which included the number “8647”, has reignited tensions with former President Donald Trump. 

In the Instagram post, Comey showed a photo of "8647" written in seashells in sand, with the caption "Cool shell formation on my beach walk."

Critics quickly interpreted the number as a coded message, referencing the 86ing (slang for removing) of the 47th president, which is Trump.

 The backlash prompted Comey to delete the post, but not before he was blasted on social media.

The post quickly trended on social media, with some users defending and others condemning the former top lawman.

Trump said he would refer the matter to Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Trump Administration Reacts

“James Comey, the most disgraced FBI Director in history, put out a post—8647’—a not-so-subtle call to ‘eliminate’ me. He should be prosecuted or sued for this disgusting and dangerous behavior,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

Comey commented that he believed the message in the shell's placement was political, but denies he understood it called for violence against Trump.

On Thursday, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem posted on X that the U.S. Secret Service is looking into Comey's post.

"Disgraced former FBI Director James Comey just called for the assassination of @POTUS Trump," she said.

A spokesman for the U.S. Secret Service said in a statement that the agency is aware of the posts and takes "rhetoric like this very seriously."

"The Secret Service vigorously investigates anything that can be taken as a potential threat against our protectees," Anthony Guglielm said in a statement.

FBI Director Kash Patel also said he was aware of the post and was providing support to Noem's efforts.

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard told Fox News host Jesse Waters.

"Any other person with a position of influence that he has, people who take very seriously what a guy of his stature, his experience, and what the propaganda media has built him up to be, I'm very concerned for the president's life.” 

She also indicated Comey might be put "behind bars."

What Did “8647” Mean?

Many online interpreted the post as Comey calling for Trump to be taken out or removed. The controversial post was highlighted by ABC News and MSN, noting the backlash it received, especially among conservative commentators who saw it as a veiled threat.

“Even for Comey, this crosses a line,” said one Fox News panelist. “He’s not some edgy comedian. He’s a former FBI director.”

A Fraught History: Trump vs. Comey

The acrimony between Donald Trump and James Comey dates back to 2017, when Trump fired Comey as FBI Director amid the bureau’s since-debunked investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. 

Comey later accused Trump of attempting to pressure him into dropping the investigation into Michael Flynn, Trump’s former national security adviser. Those revelations led to the appointment of Special Counsel Robert Mueller.

In his book A Higher Loyalty, Comey described Trump as “unethical” and “untethered to truth.” Trump, in turn, has called Comey “a leaker and a liar.”

“He’s a disgruntled, self-serving bureaucrat who deserved to be fired,” Trump said in 2018.

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Comey Deletes the Post, But Fallout Continues

As reported by Newsweek, Comey deleted the “8647” post shortly after it began gaining attention. However, political commentators suggest the controversy may follow him for some time.

Whether or not the post was intended as a political joke or something more serious, it has further cemented Comey’s status as a lightning rod in American politics and renewed scrutiny on how public figures engage on social media.

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