• The Secret Service investigates James Comey’s Instagram post for a possible threat against President Trump, raising the question: Did Comey target Trump?
• Homeland Security and the FBI work together to address the potential danger in determining if Comey targeted Trump.
• Comey claims he didn’t intend violence and deleted the post after backlash, denying any intention to target Trump.

The Secret Service has launched an investigation into former FBI Director James Comey. The agency is looking into an Instagram post Comey shared and then deleted. The post showed seashells arranged in the numbers “8647.” Some people interpreted this as a coded threat against President Donald Trump, leading many to ponder if Comey targeted Trump deliberately. Trump fired Comey early in his first term as president. The timing and nature of the post raised alarms within the Trump administration. Officials and Trump’s family called the post a call for violence. The Secret Service now takes the matter very seriously.

What James Comey Posted and Why It Raised Alarm

Comey posted a photo with seashells forming “8647.” He wrote, “Cool shell formation on my beach walk.” At first glance, it seemed innocent. However, “86” means to get rid of or eject something. It’s slang from restaurants and bars. Trump is the 47th president of the United States. So many people saw this as a message to “get rid of” President Trump. White House officials called the post a veiled threat, questioning if Comey deliberately targeted Trump. Taylor Budowich, White House deputy chief of staff, said the post looked like a “hit” on the president. He posted his concerns on X (formerly Twitter). Donald Trump Jr. also spoke out. He accused Comey of calling for his father’s murder in a tweet.

Homeland Security and FBI Join the Investigation Quickly

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem joined the conversation. She labeled Comey’s post a call for assassination. Noem confirmed that DHS and the Secret Service are investigating, asking if Comey targeted Trump intentionally. FBI Director Kash Patel said the FBI works closely with the Secret Service. Patel said the Secret Service leads the case but the FBI will provide all support needed. This cooperation shows how seriously the government views the threat. The agencies want to ensure the president’s safety at all times.

Comey Says He Didn’t Intend to Threaten Anyone

Comey responded with a statement on Instagram. He said he posted the photo without thinking it would cause harm and claimed he only saw a political message in the shell numbers. He did not know some would view it as a call for violence or assume he targeted Trump deliberately and said he opposes violence in any form. To avoid misunderstanding, Comey deleted the post. His quick removal shows he didn’t want to upset anyone or suggest harm.

Past Attempts on Trump’s Life Add Weight to Concerns

This incident comes after real attacks on Trump. Last July, someone tried to assassinate the president in Pennsylvania. Trump was shot in the ear. Two others suffered serious injuries, and one person died. A few months later, another attacker appeared at Trump’s golf course in Florida. He hid in the bushes with a rifle. Secret Service agents stopped him before he could act. These real threats raise concern over any possible calls for violence, which makes some claim Comey tried targeting Trump. The government remains alert to any danger to the president’s life.

Secret Service and Comey’s Publisher Stay Silent

Both the Secret Service and Comey’s book publisher have not commented on the investigation. They have yet to respond to requests for statements regarding the question: Did Comey target Trump? The Secret Service continues to monitor the situation closely. Comey, who now writes crime novels, remains under public scrutiny for his words and actions.