Former FBI Director James Comey surrendered to authorities to face charges alleging that an image he briefly shared on social media posed a threat to the life of US President Donald Trump. The case stems from a 2025 Instagram post shared by Comey, which contained a photo of seashells on a beach arranged to read "86 47". "Eighty-six" is a slang term for "get rid of", and prosecutors allege it encourages violence against Trump, the 47th president. Comey denied any wrongdoing, saying he did not know what the numbers meant, and accused the prosecution of political motivation. This marks the second time the justice department has brought criminal charges against Comey, a longtime critic of Trump. Comey did not enter a plea or speak during his brief appearance at a Virginia court on Wednesday afternoon. His attorney, Patrick Fitzgerald, said the former director would seek dismissal on grounds of selective and vindictive prosecution – arguing he was targeted for speaking out against Trump.
Published: April 29, 2026 5:32 pm
Source: BBC — Read original