Former FBI Director James Comey has been indicted for a second time by the Justice Department. The two-count felony charges relate to an Instagram photo he posted last May showing seashells arranged on a beach.
James Comey responds to new indictment over alleged ‘threat’ against Trump
The indictment accuses Comey of knowingly and willfully making a threat and transmitting a communication containing a threat. Both charges carry up to 10 years in prison if convicted. Officials pointed to the image spelling out “86 47,” noting that in slang, “86” can mean to remove or get rid of something, while 47 refers to the current presidential term.
What is the Instagram post behind ex-FBI Director James Comey’s 2nd indictment?
Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche addressed the matter at a news conference, stating that threats against the president will not be tolerated. “His alleged conduct is the same kind of conduct that we will never tolerate and that we will always investigate,” he said.
Comey responded in a short video on his Substack account. “Well, they’re back. This time about a picture of seashells on a North Carolina beach a year ago,” he said. “But nothing has changed with me. I’m still innocent. I am still not afraid and I still believe in the independent federal judiciary. So let’s go.”
He removed the original post the same day, explaining he saw it as a simple political message and did not intend any harm. “I didn’t realize some folks associate those numbers with violence. It never occurred to me, but I oppose violence of any kind, so I took the post down.”
Comey’s attorney, Patrick Fitzgerald, said his client “vigorously denies the charges” and looks forward to addressing them in court while defending First Amendment rights.
This marks the second indictment against Comey in recent months. A previous case was dismissed late last year. The new case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Louise Wood Flanagan.
Separately, a federal judge allowed a lawsuit by Comey’s daughter Maurene to proceed. She is challenging her dismissal from the Justice Department.