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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedAugust 20, 2026Miami-Dade

Department of Justice defends prosecution of James Comey over social media post

Federal prosecutors are arguing that a social media post by former FBI Director James Comey featuring seashells arranged as '86 47' constituted a credible threat against President Donald Trump. The government maintains the post was a reckless act intended to generate publicity for Comey's upcoming novel, while Comey's defense team alleges the prosecution is vindictive and based on misleading evidence.

legal proceedingsthreatssocial mediaDepartment of JusticeJames ComeyDonald Trump
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Why It Matters

The case centers on whether a social media post can be legally classified as a criminal threat, with significant implications for how federal authorities interpret online speech and the boundaries of political criticism.

Key Facts

  • Prosecutors argue the '86 47' seashell post was a coded threat to 'kill' the 47th President.
  • The government claims Comey's wife texted him a definition of '86' as 'to get rid of' two minutes before he posted the photo.
  • Prosecutors allege Comey staged the seashell photo, noting the location was 4 miles from where he was staying.
  • The post was made days before the release of Comey's novel, 'FDR Drive'.
  • Comey's defense team argues the FBI misled judges and withheld evidence regarding the lack of intent behind the post.
  • The FBI searched internal databases for links between Comey and the term '86' but found no conclusive evidence.
  • The Department of Justice denies the prosecution is vindictive or directed by the President.
  • Comey deleted the post shortly after publication, stating he was unaware of the violent interpretation of the numbers.

Who's Mentioned

personSalvatore 'Sammy the Bull' Gravano“Government cooperator interviewed by investigators.”personJohn Gambino“Reputed mobster whose case file was reviewed by the FBI.”other200,000“Number of Instagram followers Comey had at the time of the post.”personJames Comey“Former FBI Director and defendant in the case.”organizationDepartment of Justice“The federal agency prosecuting the case.”personDonald Trump“47th President of the United States.”