The Instagram Post in Question

James Comey shared an image of seashells arranged in the numbers “86 47” on Instagram. The number “86” is often associated with the act of removing someone, while “47” reportedly refers to the 47th President of the United States.

Through the caption, “Cool shell formation on my beach walk…,” Comey implied it was merely an observation from his day at the beach. However, he later deleted the post after it drew significant controversy.

Response from Gabbard and the White House

During an appearance on “Jesse Watters Primetime,” Gabbard called Comey’s post a direct threat against President Trump, emphasizing the need for accountability. Gabbard stated, “The rule of law says people like him who issue direct threats against the POTUS must be held accountable.”

She expressed concerns for the President’s safety, noting past assassination attempts. Gabbard asserted that Comey should be “put behind bars,” regardless of his intent with the post.

The White House echoed these sentiments, with Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich referring to Comey’s comments as “deeply concerning” and emphasizing that they are being taken seriously during the President’s international trip.

Comey’s Clarification

In a follow-up where Comey addressed the backlash, he stated, “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.” However, his explanation did little to quell the criticism he faced.

The Secret Service confirmed they are aware of the situation and will be investigating the matter further, including interviewing Comey.

Concerns About Influence

Gabbard highlighted Comey’s influence and the serious implications of his post, asserting that some individuals take his messages seriously. This situation raises questions about the responsibility public figures have in their communications, especially regarding the safety of high-profile individuals.