Former FBI Director James Comey recently posted a photo of seashells arranged on a beach to spell out the number “8647.” Some people have interpreted this as a hidden message.
In restaurant slang, “86” can mean to “get rid of” something. In mafia slang, it can refer to digging a grave that’s eight feet long and six feet deep symbolizing death. The number “47” is being linked to Donald Trump, who is aiming to become the 47th president of the United States.
This post has sparked controversy, especially after FBI Director Kash Patel accused Comey of inspiring a wave of threats against Trump. Patel said during a Fox News interview that Comey’s post encouraged copycats—people who try to imitate what they think is a clever or meaningful message.
He explained that agents have been pulled from serious investigations like those involving child predators, drug traffickers, and terrorists to respond to threats against the former president. According to Patel, people across the country started making threats online, some thinking it was a joke because they saw a former FBI director doing something similar.
Patel said he now has to deal with this problem on a daily basis. He believes Comey thought the post was funny, but the consequences have been serious. The agency has already handled two major assassination attempts against Trump in 2024.
The first happened in July during a rally in Pennsylvania. A 20-year-old shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, opened fire. He was killed, along with an innocent bystander, Corey Comperatore. Trump was injured—his ear was bloodied in an image that quickly went viral.
The second attempt came two months later when a man named Ryan Wesley Routh was caught by Secret Service agents setting up what looked like a sniper position near Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach. After he was arrested, authorities found a message in which Routh admitted he was trying to assassinate Trump. He apologized for failing and offered \$150,000 to anyone who could succeed where he failed.
In addition to these domestic threats, Trump has also been warned by U.S. intelligence agencies about real threats from the Iranian government.
According to his campaign, Iran views current Vice President Kamala Harris as weak, but they are afraid of Trump’s strength and leadership. The campaign stated that Trump will not back down and remains committed to fighting for the American people and making the country strong again.
Comey and Patel have a history of clashing. Comey recently criticized Patel on CNN, saying Patel isn’t qualified to lead the FBI and mocking him by comparing him to a dog that caught a car and now doesn’t know what to do with it. Patel brushed off the insult during his Fox News interview, saying he’s been “living rent-free” in Comey’s head for years and that the criticism doesn’t affect him.
The situation shows how a seemingly simple social media post can stir controversy, especially in today’s tense political climate. It also shows how serious the threats against public figures like Trump can be, and how law enforcement must constantly stay alert.
