BREAKING: Former FBI Director James Comey posts apparent threat against Trump on Instagram: '86 47'

Former FBI Director James Comey posted a cryptic image to Instagram on Thursday that is drawing attention online as an apparent threat against President Donald Trump. The photo shows several seashells carefully arranged on a beach to spell out “86 47”—the numbers are sometimes used in reference for “getting rid” of Trump.

Trump, currently serving as the 47th President of the United States, is often referred to by his presidential number. The term “86” is understood in slang to mean to eliminate or get rid of something—sometimes with violent connotations, according to Merriam Webster. 

One critic of the post was Donald Trump Jr, who posted to X: "Just James Comey causally calling for my dad to be murdered. This is who the Dem-Media worships. Demented!!!!"

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich posted to X, "While President Trump is currently on an international trip to the Middle East, the former FBI Director puts out what can clearly be interpreted as 'a hit' on the sitting President of the United States—a message etched in the sand. This is deeply concerning to all of us and is being taken seriously."

Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) also reacted to the post from Comey, writing on X, "Because two assassination attempts were apparently not enough for these people," along with a screenshot of the Comey's page.  

Comey's caption said that he saw a "shell formation" on the beach. The post has sparked criticism and speculation, especially given Comey's history with Trump. Comey was fired by Trump in 2017 during his first term in office.

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