The U.S. Secret Service reportedly interviewed former FBI Director James Comey on Friday after he posted a picture depicting “86 47,” according to multiple outlets.
Comey swiftly faced backlash online Thursday after posting a picture on his Instagram with shells in the formation of “86 47.” With multiple officials saying Thursday that the issue would be investigated, Comey was reportedly seen leaving the Secret Service’s Washington, D.C. field office on Friday.
In his original post, which has now been deleted, Comey said he found the “cool shell formation” while walking on the beach. Figures like Trump’s senior advisor Dan Scavino Jr. and Donald Trump Jr. took to X to call out the message, as many said it was a threat to President Donald Trump’s life.
The term “86” is commonly referred to as “get rid of” or “throw out,” according to Merriam-Webster. According to Cassell’s Dictionary of Slang, “86” can also mean to kill or murder.
Shortly after posting, Comey took down the photo and said he decided to remove it after realizing “some folks associate those numbers with violence.”