'8647' Cryptic Social Media Post Sparks Trump Threat Alarm, Former FBI Director Under Investigation

Last Updated:May 16, 2025, 07:53 IST

FBI Director Kash Patel took cognisance of the post and said that the FBI was aware of the post directed at US President Donald Trump.

Left: Former FBI Director James Comey; Right: Image posted by him on Instagram (Credits: Instagram)

Former FBI Director James Comey sparked a row online after he posted a picture of some shells forming “8647". The image soon went viral online, and social media users claimed that it was a threat to US President Donald Trump.

“Cool shell formation on my beach walk," wrote Comey in the caption of the picture shared from his Instagram handle. The post was later deleted after he faced a major backlash online.

He made a second post and issued a clarification. “I posted earlier a picture of some shells I saw today on a beach walk, which I assumed were a political message. 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," he wrote on Instagram.

However, his shell formation image soon drew all the online attention. Reacting to the picture, Donald Trump Jr hit out at Comey and wrote, “Just James Comey casually calling for my dad to be murdered. This is who the Dem-Media worships. Demented!!!!"

FBI Director Kash Patel responded to the online controversy and wrote, “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."

Trump ally Laura Loomer said, “Former FBI Director James Comey @Comey just posted this on his Instagram 2 hours ago, with the caption “cool shell formation on my beach walk". It’s a pic of shells in the form of “86 47". This is a call for the assassination of President Trump by the former FBI Director!"

DHS Probing The Post

Taking cognisance of the matter, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said that they are currently probing the “threat".’

“Disgraced former FBI Director James Comey just called for the assassination of POTUS Trump. DHS and Secret Service is investigating this threat and will respond appropriately," Noem wrote on X.

Social Media Users’ Reaction

Netizens also reacted to Comey’s picture. One soc ial media user said, “Former FBI Director James Comey @Comey just posted this on his Instagram 2 hours ago, with the caption “cool shell formation on my beach walk". It’s a pic of shells in the form of “86 47". This is a call for the assassination of President Trump by the former FBI Director!"

A second user wrote, “He expects us to believe that he a man that was I charge of the FBI is unaware of gang/ mafia code speak? I don’t buy it, I think it should warrant an investigation at bare minimum… James Comey is a vindictive person and dangerous!"

What Does Number 8647 Mean?

The number 86 is an American slang term that means “get rid of," “eject," or “remove." Number 47 is a reference to Donald Trump, the 47th President of the United States.

Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

News world '8647' Cryptic Social Media Post Sparks Trump Threat Alarm, Former FBI Director Under Investigation