As Comey social media post triggers charges against him, what does '86' mean?

April 29, 2026

Former FBI Director James Comey faces federal criminal charges for posting a beach photo showing seashells arranged as "8-6-4-7," which prosecutors interpret as a death threat against President Trump, the 47th president, using the slang term "86" meaning to kill. Comey deleted the post and claims he was unaware of the violent interpretation, while his lawyers plan to argue selective prosecution based on his criticism of Trump. This represents the second set of criminal charges against Comey by the Trump administration, following a previous case that was dismissed in November.

Who is affected

James Comey (former FBI Director facing criminal charges)
President Donald Trump (alleged target of the threat)
Comey's legal team
The Trump administration prosecutors
FBI Director Kash Patel (announcing the charges)
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard (calling for Comey's jailing)
Critics and supporters of both Trump and Comey
Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE)

What action is being taken

Prosecutors are charging Comey with making a threat against the president and transmitting a threat in interstate commerce
Comey's lawyers are seeking to have the case dismissed on grounds of selective and vindictive prosecution
Comey has surrendered to officers in Virginia and been released pending trial

Why it matters

This case represents a significant escalation in the Trump administration's use of criminal prosecution against political critics and highlights tensions between national security concerns and First Amendment protections. The charges demonstrate the administration's aggressive crackdown on perceived threats, coming amid an actual assassination attempt against Trump, and raise constitutional questions about whether ambiguous social media posts constitute genuine threats or protected political speech. The case also reflects broader concerns about selective prosecution when similar numerical references were used against previous presidents without criminal consequences.

What's next

The case will proceed to trial in the Eastern District of North Carolina, where Comey's defense team will seek dismissal based on selective and vindictive prosecution arguments.

Read full article from source: BBC