Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem today accused former FBI Director James Comey for calling for President Donald Trump’s assassination. Noem said federal law enforcement authorities are investigating the threat.
“Disgraced former FBI Director James Comey just called for the assassination of @POTUS Trump,” Noem wrote on X on Thursday evening. “DHS and Secret Service is investigating this threat and will respond appropriately.”
Noem made the statement after Comey posted a photo earlier in the day on Instagram that showed several seashells arranged to form the numbers “86 47.”
“86” is well-known slang that mean killing someone. And the number 47 could mean the 47th president. It’s a number that is showing up among those who want President Trump gone, or even dead.
Comey, who was appointed to the head of the FBI by President Barack Obama and who is a virulent Trump hater, took the photo down from Instagram after Noem made her accusation, and he then wrote that he didn’t intend to call for violence.
“I posted earlier a picture of some shells I saw today on a beach walk, which I assumed were a political message,” Comey wrote in a second post on Instagram.
Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said the Secret Service is investigating as it “vigorously investigates anything that can be taken as a potential threat against our protectees.”
FBI Director Kash Patel said that the primary jurisdiction is with the Secret Service, but his agency would provide support as needed.
Taylor Budowich, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich wrote that Comey’s post is “deeply concerning to all of us” and that it is no laughing matter.
“While President Trump is currently on an international trip to the Middle East, the former FBI Director puts out what can clearly be interpreted as ‘a hit’ on the sitting President of the United States — a message etched in the sand,” Budowich wrote.
