Comey surrenders over charges linked to Trump social media post
Washington, United States — Former FBI Director James Comey has surrendered to authorities to face criminal charges alleging that a social media post he shared amounted to a threat against the life of US President Donald Trump.
The case centres on an Instagram post made in May 2025, in which Comey shared an image of seashells arranged on a beach forming the numbers “86 47”. Prosecutors argue the phrase could be interpreted as a call for violence against Mr Trump, the 47th president, noting that “86” is slang in some contexts for “eliminate” or “get rid of”.
Comey has denied any wrongdoing, insisting he was unaware of any violent connotation and describing the prosecution as politically motivated. He did not enter a plea during a brief court appearance in Virginia and was not required to speak. He nodded as charges were read and later left court without comment.
His lawyer, Patrick Fitzgerald, said the defence would seek dismissal of the case, arguing it amounted to selective and vindictive prosecution targeting Comey for his public criticism of Mr Trump.
Prosecutors have charged the former FBI chief with knowingly transmitting a threat in interstate commerce and with making threats against the president. Each count carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
Comey has maintained his innocence. In a video statement released earlier this week, he said he would fight the charges, adding: “I’m still innocent. I’m still not afraid and I still believe in the independent federal judiciary.”
The post at the centre of the case was later deleted by Comey after public criticism. He said at the time that he did not intend to imply any violent message and opposed violence in all forms.
President Trump has described Comey as a “crooked man” and suggested the post could reasonably be interpreted as threatening. He told reporters that “86” was widely understood in some circles as a reference to killing someone, adding that such messages posed “tremendous danger” to public officials.
However, legal analysts and some lawmakers have questioned the strength of the case. Republican Senator Thom Tillis said he hoped there was more evidence beyond the image alone, warning against setting a low legal threshold for prosecution.
The case marks the latest development in a long-running dispute between Mr Trump and Mr Comey, whom the president dismissed during his first term following an investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.
Comey has previously faced separate federal charges of lying to Congress and obstructing a congressional proceeding, which were later dismissed on procedural grounds.
The Justice Department has defended the latest indictment, insisting the case is based on a year-long investigation and rejecting suggestions of political interference.
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