Former FBI Director James Comey is under federal investigation following an Instagram post that featured seashells arranged to display the numbers “86 47.” The number “86” is slang for “remove” or “eliminate,” and “47” refers to Donald Trump as the 47th president. Many interpreted the post as a veiled threat against Trump.AP News+1The Times+1
Comey deleted the post and stated that he was unaware of the violent connotations, explaining that he thought the arrangement was a political message and that he opposes violence of any kind. Despite his explanation, the Secret Service interviewed Comey, and the investigation is ongoing. PoliticoAP News
President Trump has appointed former Fox News host Jeanine Pirro as interim U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia. In this role, Pirro would oversee any potential prosecution arising from the investigation into Comey’s post. Politico+2New York Post+2ABC News+2Newsweek+7ABC7 Los Angeles+7AP News+7
Attorney General Pam Bondi has the authority to decide whether charges should be filed against Comey. Trump has deferred the decision to her, stating that it’s up to the Attorney General to determine the appropriate course of action. BBC
