‘No serious dispute’ that Comey’s seashell post could be read as a Trump threat, prosecutors say
Prosecutors say the post could be read as a threat, as Comey seeks dismissal on claims of vindictive prosecution and free-speech violations.
- On Tuesday, FBI Director James Comey filed a motion to dismiss his indictment, arguing his 2025 Instagram post of seashells was protected political speech rather than a true threat against President Donald Trump.
- Prosecutors argued Tuesday the seashell photo constituted a "threat to kill" the President, citing a text from Comey's wife and noting the shells were located 4 miles from where Comey was staying.
- Comey's defense contends the "86 47" formation is political shorthand, with Merriam-Webster defining "86" as "to get rid of" or "eject," asserting the indictment violates the First Amendment.
- The motion further alleges selective prosecution, claiming the indictment was based on President Trump's personal antipathy toward Comey rather than law, thereby violating the Fifth Amendment's Due Process Clause.
- Additional government filings linked the post to Comey's upcoming novel "FDR Drive," alleging an attempt to generate publicity while noting the timing coincided with assassination attempts against the President.
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DOJ argues Comey novel shows he knew '86 47' post was a threat against ...
‘Kill President Trump’: DOJ escalates indictment case against Comey over viral ‘86 47’ seashell post
The DOJ is doubling down on its case against former FBI Director James Comey, arguing his viral “86 47” seashell post could reasonably be read as a threat against President Donald Trump.Prosecutors are challenging Comey’s explanation for the beach photo, while his lawyers accuse investigators of withholding key facts and pursuing a politically motivated case.The explosive Comey-Trump showdown has reignited debate over the meaning of “86,” free s…
‘No serious dispute’ that Comey’s seashell post could be read as a Trump threat, prosecutors say - The Boston Globe
Prosecutors also called into question the former FBI director's account that he had found seashells in the numerical arrangement of “86 47” while walking on a beach in North Carolina.
Trump DOJ prosecutors 'appear to be shaky' about what words mean
On Wednesday, the Justice Department filed an argument attempting to “salvage” President Donald Trump’s case against former FBI Director James Comey, who stands accused of threatening Trump’s assassination by posting an image of seashells spelling “86-47” on social media. But according to some experts, the prosecutors doing Trump’s bidding don’t seem to understand what words mean. As All Rise News editor-in-chief Adam Klasfeld noted, “Trump DOJ …
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