Gabbard Calls for Comey's Imprisonment Over Alleged 'Call to Assassinate' Trump in Controversial Remarks
National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard condemns ex-FBI Chief Comey over ominous "86 47" Instagram post perceived as a threat to Trump
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has called for the arrest of former FBI Director James Comey following his controversial Instagram post that appeared to reference President Donald Trump. The post, uploaded Thursday and quickly deleted, depicted seashells arranged in the numbers "86 47," which some interpreted as a coded message encouraging violence against the 47th President of the United States.
The term "86" is sometimes used slang for "to get rid of" or even to kill, while "47" is widely recognized as a reference to Trump, who is running to become the 47th President. In his caption, Comey wrote: "Cool shell formation on my beach walk..." After public outcry and accusations surfaced, Comey removed the image, clarifying:
"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."
Despite this explanation, Gabbard was unequivocal on national television, stating that Comey's post amounted to a direct threat against the president and arguing that such actions deserve legal consequences. "The rule of law says people like him who issue direct threats against the POTUS, essentially issuing a call to assassinate him, must be held accountable under the law," Gabbard said during her appearance on "Jesse Watters Primetime." She further emphasized her grave concern for President Trump's safety, citing past assassination attempts as evidence of real threats.
"I'm very concerned for the president's life...James Comey, in my view, should be held accountable and put behind bars for this," Gabbard insisted, contending that Comey's influence only heightens the seriousness of the situation. "There are people who take [him] very seriously," she added.
In response to the escalating controversy, the Secret Service confirmed to reporters that they are aware of the incident and are actively investigating. Agents were reportedly dispatched to interview Comey regarding the now-deleted post.
The Biden administration also weighed in, with White House deputy chief of staff Taylor Budowich labeling Comey’s social media activity as “deeply concerning.” Referencing the post as potentially “a hit” on the president, Budowich said the matter was being treated with utmost seriousness, particularly because it came while President Trump was abroad on an official trip.
Comey, who was fired by Trump during his first term, has not commented publicly on the matter since deleting the post.