U.S. law enforcement officials confirmed that the Secret Service is looking into a social media post by former FBI Director James Comey, which featured an image of the number “8647.” Some supporters of former President Donald Trump quickly interpreted this as a potential threat to the 47th president, raising alarm within political circles.
Comey, who was dismissed by Trump in 2017, later removed the post and explained that he had not realized the number might have been linked to violence. The number “86” is often used to refer to throwing someone out of a bar, while “47” stands for President Trump, sparking speculation that the post symbolized a call for violent action, including assassination.
Understanding the Controversy
The term “86” is a slang term from U.S. bar culture, where it denotes the ejection of an unruly patron. Some Trump supporters interpreted the combination of “8647” as a coded message to remove Trump from office, possibly by violent means. The Merriam-Webster dictionary mentions that “86” can mean “to kill” in certain contexts, but this meaning is not widely adopted due to its recent emergence and limited use.
The Secret Service, tasked with safeguarding the president and his family, responded to the post with caution. Anthony Guglielmi, a spokesperson for the agency, confirmed that the Secret Service was aware of the post but did not comment on its potential implications. “We take rhetoric like this very seriously,” Guglielmi stated, adding that the agency investigates any potential threats to the President.
Federal Response and Criticism
A federal law enforcement official revealed that agents were being dispatched to question Comey about the Instagram post. As part of their protocol, the Secret Service investigates anyone making statements or posts that may be perceived as a threat to the safety of the president, regardless of the source.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also chimed in, stating on social media that both her agency and the Secret Service were investigating the incident and would take appropriate action. The post ignited a firestorm of political debate, with some figures calling for severe consequences for Comey.
Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, expressed her outrage during a Fox News interview, suggesting that Comey should be imprisoned for his actions. “Any person with his level of influence should be held accountable,” Gabbard said, expressing concerns for the president’s safety.
Historical Context of ’86’
While the interpretation of “8647” stirred controversy, it’s worth noting the origin of the term “86.” It is linked to an infamous New York bar, Chumley’s, where patrons were allegedly thrown out through a discreet back door at 86 Bedford St. This historical connection, along with the urban myth surrounding Prohibition, suggests that “86” was once a euphemism for avoiding legal trouble, not violence.
James Comey’s Clarification
In the wake of the uproar, Comey removed the post and issued a statement clarifying that he never intended for the numbers to convey a violent message. He explained that he simply found the shell formation on a beach walk visually interesting and had no awareness that others might associate the numbers with harm. “I oppose violence of any kind, and it never occurred to me that these numbers could have such an interpretation,” Comey wrote.
The Political Backdrop
This incident takes place in a politically charged atmosphere, with heightened tensions over the legacy of the Trump administration. Comey, who was fired amid the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, remains a polarizing figure in American politics.
Conclusion: A Closer Look at the Fallout
As the Secret Service investigates the matter, the controversy over Comey’s post raises broader concerns about social media and its potential to incite political violence. Whether the post was an innocent message or an inadvertent call for harm, it has sparked a national conversation about accountability in political discourse.
With the Secret Service actively involved, the situation continues to develop, and officials have vowed to investigate thoroughly to determine the full extent of any potential threat.