The Beachcomber’s Code: Comey’s Cryptic Post
Former FBI Director James Comey recently found himself at the center of a political maelstrom after posting a seemingly innocuous photo on Instagram. The image depicted seashells arranged to form the number “8647,“ accompanied by the caption: “Cool shell formation on my beach walk.“ However, this post quickly ignited a firestorm of controversy.
Yeah, really “cool,” Comey. Trying to play coy like you just noticed some pretty shells. You know exactly what made you smile when you read that, Mr. former FBI Director.
In military circles, to “86” something is slang for getting rid of it. “47” is a reference to Donald Trump’s position as the 47th President of the United States.
This led to interpretations of the post as a veiled threat against the president. Comey, who was dismissed by Trump in 2017, claimed ignorance of any violent connotation, stating he believed the message to be political and removed the post upon realizing its potential misinterpretation.
The Beachcomber’s Code: Comey’s Cryptic Post
Former FBI Director James Comey recently found himself at the center of a political maelstrom after posting a seemingly innocuous photo on Instagram. The image depicted seashells arranged to form the number “8647,“ accompanied by the caption: “Cool shell formation on my beach walk.“ However, this post quickly ignited a firestorm of controversy.
Yeah, really “cool,” Comey. Trying to play coy like you just noticed some pretty shells. You know exactly what made you smile when you read that, Mr. former FBI Director.
In military circles, to “86” something is slang for getting rid of it. “47” is a reference to Donald Trump’s position as the 47th President of the United States.
This led to interpretations of the post as a veiled threat against the president. Comey, who was dismissed by Trump in 2017, claimed ignorance of any violent connotation, stating he believed the message to be political and removed the post upon realizing its potential misinterpretation.
Political Fallout: Accusations and Investigations
The post did not go unnoticed by Trump‘s allies. Donald Trump Jr. accused Comey of calling for his father’s assassination, labeling the post as a casual call for murder. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the post as a threat, prompting the Secret Service to initiate an investigation.
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich expressed deep concern, especially given recent assassination attempts on President Trump. He emphasized the seriousness of the situation, noting that the post was being taken seriously by the administration.
An Interesting Aside
Comey’s controversial post went up on 5/15/2025. A couple of sources were quick to point out that 5/15/2025 was exactly 8647 days from the horrific terror attacks of 9/11. Sheer coincidence? Probably, but it still made me raise my fingers to my head and quickly move them away in a “mind blown” expression.
The Broader Implications: Social Media and Political Discourse
This incident underscores the volatile intersection of social media and political discourse. Comey‘s post, whether intentionally provocative or not, highlights how digital platforms can amplify messages and interpretations, leading to real-world consequences.
The situation also reflects the deep-seated divisions within American politics, where actions are often viewed through partisan lenses. Comey’s history with Trump adds another layer of complexity, making any communication from him subject to intense scrutiny.
Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale in the Digital Age
James Comey’s “8647” beach stunt is more than just a pile of seashells—it’s a gasoline filled Molotov cocktail lobbed into the already flaming dumpster fire of American politics. In a digital age where a grainy photo can spark a federal investigation, public figures ought to think twice before playing cryptic crossword with the Secret Service.
Whether it was a cheeky jab or a thinly veiled threat, the fallout’s real—and the line between free speech and a dog whistle is now buried somewhere in the sand.
COMMENTS
There are
You must become a subscriber or login to view or post comments on this article.