DOJ Indicts Former FBI Director James Comey Over “8647” Instagram Post

WASHINGTON — The Department of Justice indicted former FBI Director James Comey on April 28, 2026, marking his second federal prosecution. The charges stem from a now-deleted May 2025 Instagram post showing seashells arranged to spell “8647,” which officials interpreted as a threat against President Donald Trump.

The post, captioned “Cool shell formation on my beach walk,” was deleted shortly after it appeared. Comey later explained he had found the shells on a North Carolina beach and assumed they formed a political message. He said he did not realize some associated the numbers with violence and that he opposes violence of any kind.

Critics, including Trump administration officials, interpreted “86” as slang for “get rid of” or “kill” and “47” as referring to Trump as the 47th president. Then-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard publicly called for investigation, with Gabbard stating Comey should be “put behind bars.”

The indictment charges Comey with offenses related to the post, viewed by the DOJ as incitement or a threat. It follows a prior 2025 indictment for false statements and obstruction of justice in connection with congressional testimony, which was dismissed on procedural grounds.

Comey has been a vocal Trump critic since his 2017 firing. He has not commented on the new charges. The case is assigned to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.

This latest action reflects the Trump administration’s renewed focus on holding former officials accountable for statements and conduct perceived as threats or misconduct during and after the Biden years. No trial date has been set.