Controversy Over '86 47' Numbers: Claims of "Assassination Signal"
Former FBI Director Denies "Assassination Signal" Allegation
U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Others Launch Investigation Despite Explanation
James Comey, the former director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) who was dismissed during the first Donald Trump administration, posted a photo featuring the numbers '86 47', leading to claims that he was 'inciting the assassination of President Trump.' In response, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and other agencies have launched an investigation.
On the 15th (local time), James Comey, former director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), deleted a post on Instagram after being accused of 'inciting assassination of President Trump' through a photo he uploaded (left). James Comey's Instagram
On the 15th (local time), Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security, stated on social media, "Disgraced former FBI Director Comey just incited the assassination of President Donald Trump," adding, "DHS and the United States Secret Service (USSS) are investigating this threat and will respond appropriately."
Previously, Comey had posted a photo on Instagram showing seashells arranged to form the numbers '86 47', along with the caption, "Beautiful shell arrangement seen on the beach boardwalk."
According to the Associated Press, the Merriam-Webster dictionary lists '86' as slang meaning "to throw out," "to get rid of," or "to refuse service to (a customer)." The dictionary notes in a footnote, "Among the most recently adopted meanings, there is 'to kill,' which is a logical extension of the earlier senses. We do not include this meaning, as it has only recently come into use and is relatively rare."
'47' can be interpreted as referring to President Trump, who served as the 45th president and is currently serving as the 47th president.
Regarding this photo, Donald Trump Jr., President Trump's eldest son, as well as White House Deputy Chief of Staff James Blair and Taylor Budowich, claimed it was "inciting the assassination of President Trump."
Current FBI Director Cathy Patel told media that she is aware of Comey's post. She also stated that the Secret Service, which has primary investigative authority over this matter, and the director of the Secret Service will receive "all necessary support."
Comey explained that it was simply a political message and has since deleted the controversial post. He wrote, "Earlier, I posted a photo of shells I saw on the beach boardwalk today, and I considered it a political message. I did not realize that some people associate these numbers with violence. I have never thought that way, but because I oppose all violence, I deleted the post."
Comey served as FBI director from 2013 to 2017 but was dismissed before completing his 10-year term. At the time, the FBI was investigating alleged connections between Russian government officials and members of President Trump's 2016 campaign. He later wrote a memoir based on his career at the FBI and is currently working as a crime novelist.
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