Secret Service Questions James Comey Over Social Media Post
Former FBI Director James Comey met with the U.S. Secret Service on Friday,following concerns raised about a social media post interpreted by some as a threat against former President Donald Trump. The meeting took place after supporters of Trump claimed Comey’s post was a threat against the former president.
The Controversial Post
The investigation centered on an Instagram post from Thursday, featuring a photo of seashells arranged to form the number 8647 on a beach. Comey captioned the image: Cool shell formation on my beach walk.
The number 86 is a slang term that can meen to throw someone out or get rid of something. Trump was the 47th U.S. president.
However, the seemingly innocuous post ignited controversy. Some Trump supporters interpreted the message as a veiled call for violence against the former president, even suggesting assassination.
Official Statements and Reactions
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem addressed the situation in a post on X, stating that there was an ongoing investigation
but did not specify potential actions against Comey.
Noem added:
Today, federal agents from @SecretService interviewed disgraced former FBI director Comey regarding a social media post calling for the assassination of President Trump. I will continue to take all measures necessary to ensure the protection of @POTUS Trump. This is an ongoing investigation.
Kristi Noem, U.S.homeland Security Secretary
Trump himself weighed in,accusing Comey of intentionally inciting violence. He knew exactly what that meant,
Trump said in an interview with Fox News from Abu Dhabi, adding that he would defer further action to U.S. Attorney general Pam Bondi and others.
The Interview
according to a law enforcement official who requested anonymity, the Secret Service interviewed Comey at its washington field office on Friday afternoon. The meeting commenced around 6 p.m.ET and lasted approximately one hour. The source indicated that Comey appeared voluntarily after being asked to come in.
Comey’s response
Following the backlash,Comey removed the post. He explained on Instagram, It never occurred to me but I oppose violence of any kind so I took the post down.
Always consider how your social media posts might be interpreted, especially if you have a public profile. Words can have unintended meanings.
Background and Context
- Political Slogans: The numbers “8647” and “8646” have previously been used as political slogans and on T-shirts during the administrations of both Trump and President Joe Biden.
- Comey’s Firing: Trump fired Comey early in his first term. As FBI director, Comey had been leading an investigation into possible collusion between the Trump 2016 presidential campaign and Russia.
- Comey’s Criticism: Comey has been a vocal critic of Trump, once calling him
morally unfit
to lead. - Trump’s Social Media Use: Trump has faced accusations of using social media to incite violence, including posts leading up to the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack.
- Previous Incidents: Trump previously posted a video on social media featuring an image of than-President Biden with his hands and feet tied.
FAQ
- Why was James Comey interviewed by the Secret Service?
- Over a social media post that some interpreted as a threat against former President Trump.
- What was the controversial social media post?
- An Instagram post featuring seashells arranged to form the number 8647.
- What dose “86” mean in slang?
- It can mean to throw someone out or get rid of something.
- What was Comey’s explanation for the post?
- He said it never occurred to him that it could be interpreted as a call for violence and removed it.
