What does '86 47' mean? Ex-FBI Chief James Comey deletes cryptic post after accusations of calling for Trump’s assassination

Former FBI Director James Comey faced backlash after posting a photo of seashells arranged as ‘86 47’

Former FBI Director James Comey deleted an Instagram post featuring seashells arranged to spell out “86 47” after Donald Trump Jr. and other Republicans claimed it was a threat against President Donald Trump.

Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of the U.S. President, was among the first to point it out.

“Just James Comey casually calling for my dad to be murdered. This is who the Dem-Media worships. Demented!!!!” Donald Trump Jr. posted on his X account.

Just James Comey causally calling for my dad to be murdered.
This is who the Dem-Media worships. Demented!!!! pic.twitter.com/4LUK6crHAT Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) May 15, 2025

Comey, in a follow-up post, said he assumed the shells were arranged as a political message but did not understand the possible violent connotations. “It never occurred to me,” he wrote, “but I oppose violence of any kind.”

Figures like Meghan McCain and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described Comey's Instagram post as deeply concerning and deserving of investigation. The U.S. Secret Service and the Department of Homeland Security confirmed they are reviewing the matter, with the FBI also providing support.

While there is no evidence that Comey's post constituted a direct threat, Kristi Noem stated that federal law enforcement is investigating the social media post, which she and other Republicans claim incites violence against President Donald Trump.

In a social media post Thursday evening, Noem wrote:
“Disgraced former FBI Director James Comey just called for the assassination of @POTUSTrump. DHS and Secret Service is investigating this threat and will respond appropriately.”

Here’s why James Comey’s ‘86 47’ Instagram post sparked outrage

What does '86 47' mean?

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, “86” can mean to discard or eliminate—sometimes even used as slang for “to kill.” When paired with “47,” a number associated with Donald Trump as the 47th president, the phrase “86 47” has been interpreted by some as a call to harm him. This combination has gained traction in online spaces critical of Trump, fueling conservative outrage.

Reacting to the controversy on Friday, FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement on X:

We are aware of the recent social media post by former FBI Director James Comey, directed at President Trump. We are in communication with the Secret Service and Director Curran. Primary jurisdiction is with SS on these matters and we, the FBI, will provide all necessary support. FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) May 15, 2025

The former FBI director has faced sustained criticism from both Republicans and Democrats over his handling of high-profile investigations involving Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, particularly concerning how he communicated about them publicly. Neither investigation led to charges against either political figure.

Trump, who fired Comey in 2017, has repeatedly attacked him, calling him a “grandstander” and a “showboat.”