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Secret Service Under Fire: FBI Former Chief James Comey Under Investigation for Seashell Photo Showing "8647"


Former FBI Director James Comey is under investigation by the Secret Service for sharing an image of seashells displaying the numbers '8647', which some have interpreted as a coded threat against former President Donald Trump. The controversy highlights the complexities surrounding online communication, free speech, and cybersecurity threats.

  • James Comey, former FBI Director, is under investigation by the Secret Service for sharing a photo of seashells with numbers '8647' on his Instagram account.
  • The numbers have been interpreted as a coded message with meanings including "to reject" or "to get rid of", and more recently, "to kill".
  • Some experts believe that the number 86, associated with rejection or violence, is connected to the message.
  • The Secret Service is investigating Comey for potential threats against former President Donald Trump, who is being protected by the agency.
  • Comey has denied any knowledge of the numbers' meaning, but Trump disputes his claims.



  • James Comey, the former Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), is currently under investigation by the Secret Service for sharing an image of seashells arranged to display the numbers '8647', on his Instagram account. The photo was taken during a beach walk and accompanied by the caption "Cool shell formation on my beach walk."

    In May 2025, the Secret Service confirmed that they are investigating Comey for potential threats against former President Donald Trump, who is the 47th US president. Some experts have interpreted the numbers '8647' as a coded message with meanings including "to reject" or "to get rid of", and more recently, "to kill". These interpretations have been linked to the number 86, which has been used in various contexts, including as a slang term for rejection or violence.

    Comey has denied any knowledge about the meaning of the numbers '8647', but Trump has disputed his claims. The former FBI chief took down the post from Instagram after realizing that some people were associating the numbers with violent threats against Trump. Despite this, the Secret Service is still investigating Comey for potential protective intelligence matters.

    The number 86, in particular, has been associated with various forms of aggression and violence. According to Merriam-Webster, the dictionary defines 86 as a slang term for rejection or violence. Furthermore, recent uses of the term '86' have been linked to violent acts, suggesting that the numbers displayed on Comey's seashell photo could be seen as a coded message.

    In light of this, the Secret Service is taking a serious stance against potential threats against Trump and other protectees. As stated by DHS Secretary Noem, the agency investigates anything that can be taken as a potential threat, regardless of whether it is intended or not.

    The incident has sparked a heated debate about free speech and the limits of social media platforms in regulating sensitive content. While Comey's Instagram post was deleted after realizing its impact, the controversy surrounding his seashell photo serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding online communication and potential threats.

    Furthermore, this incident highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in navigating the world of cybersecurity and counter-terrorism. As experts pointed out that rogue devices, including hidden cellular radios, have been found in Chinese-made power inverters used worldwide, it is essential for authorities to stay vigilant and monitor potential threats from all angles.

    In conclusion, James Comey's seashell photo has sparked a controversy surrounding coded messages, free speech, and cybersecurity threats. As the investigation by the Secret Service continues, it remains to be seen how this incident will unfold and its implications on national security and counter-terrorism efforts.



    Related Information:
  • https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/Secret-Service-Under-Fire-FBI-Former-Chief-James-Comey-Under-Investigation-for-Seashell-Photo-Showing-8647-ehn.shtml

  • https://securityaffairs.com/178030/laws-and-regulations/james-comey-is-under-investigation-by-secret-service-for-a-seashell-photo-showing-8647.html


  • Published: Mon May 19 04:41:22 2025 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M













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