James Comey's '8647' Instagram Post Sparks Federal Investigation
May 16 , 2025
Former FBI Director James Comey is at the center of a growing controversy after an Instagram post featuring the cryptic number "8647" prompted a federal investigation and intense backlash from allies of President Donald Trump.
The now-deleted photo showed a beach scene where seashells were arranged to form the digits “8647.” Comey’s caption read: “Cool shell formation on my beach walk.” While seemingly innocent, critics quickly pointed to potential symbolism: “86” is slang for “eliminate” or “get rid of,” and Trump is both the 45th and 47th president of the United States.
Conservatives, including Trump supporters and GOP leaders, interpreted the post as a veiled threat. Donald Trump Jr. claimed it was tantamount to “calling for my dad to be murdered,” while U.S. Senator Tulsi Gabbard called for Comey's arrest, citing concerns over presidential safety.
The Department of Homeland Security and the Secret Service confirmed they are reviewing the matter. “We take any potential threat against those we protect extremely seriously,” said Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi.
Comey, who was dismissed by Trump in 2017 while leading the FBI’s probe into Russian election interference, denied any malicious intent. “I didn’t realize some folks associate those numbers with violence,” he posted in an Instagram story before deleting the image. “I oppose violence of any kind, so I took the post down.”
Despite his explanation, prominent Republicans remain unconvinced. Trump himself, in a Fox News interview, asserted that “any child” would understand the post’s implications. “If you’re the former FBI director and you don’t know what that means, you’re lying,” he said.
The phrase “86” has surfaced in political contexts before. In 2018, after then-White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders was denied service at a restaurant, employees left a note reading “86 Sarah Huckabee Sanders.” In 2020, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer appeared on TV with an “8645” pin, prompting speculation about anti-Trump messaging.
More recently, “8647” has gained traction on social media platforms like TikTok, used by critics of Trump as a shorthand to express opposition to his re-election. Protest signs and merchandise featuring the number have been seen across the U.S., fueling debates about its meaning and implications.
Retail platforms such as Amazon and Etsy currently offer merchandise displaying “8647,” as well as “8646,” a reference to President Joe Biden. While these items have stirred controversy, they remain available despite policies banning products that promote violence.
Some liberal commentators have pointed to a double standard, noting that Republicans have previously employed similar or even more violent rhetoric without facing similar backlash. Examples include Trump’s 2024 Truth Social post showing Biden in a disturbing image, and Rep. Paul Gosar’s anime video depicting attacks on political opponents.
As investigations continue, the Comey controversy highlights the volatility of American political discourse in the age of social media—where even a beachside photo can ignite federal attention and partisan outrage.