On Friday, the US Secret Service interviewed former FBI Director James Comey following an Instagram post made by his supporters, which was perceived as a veiled threat against President Donald Trump. The post depicted seashells that were arranged to form the numbers “86 47” and was accompanied by the message “Cool shell formation on my beach walk.”
Trump’s supporters interpreted the post as advocating for harm to the 47th president. According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, “86” is slang that can mean “to throw out,” “to get rid of,” or “to refuse service to.” It also stated that one recent interpretation means “to kill,” but added that they do not recognize the violent usage due to its recent adoption and limited usage.
Comey claimed he was unaware of the violent implications and removed the post. He stated he opposes all forms of violence. However, Trump and the administration rejected Comey’s defense, with Trump calling him a “direnty cop” and stating he was advocating for the assassination of the president. The President added that Attorney General Pam Bondi would decide on any legal actions to be taken.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem confirmed that the Secret Service interviewed Comey and stated she would take all necessary measures to protect the president. The FBI expressed its support, while Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard supported the investigation into Comey’s alleged threat.
The relationship between Comey and the president is strained. In 2017, Trump fired Comey during his first term, as the latter investigated the possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. Comey has also been a vocal critic of the president, calling him “morally unfit” to govern in a 2018 interview.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/james-comey-interviewed-by-secret-service-over-alleged-threat-against-trump/a-72572805?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
