Former FBI Director James Comey finds himself at the center of a firestorm after posting a cryptic photo to Instagram that many have interpreted as a veiled threat against President Donald Trump. Now, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard is calling for serious consequences—including prison time—for what she describes as “essentially a call to assassinate” the President of the United States.
The now-deleted Instagram post featured a picture of seashells arranged to form the numbers “86 47.” While at first glance this may seem innocuous, the symbolism immediately set off alarm bells. In slang, “86” is often understood as a euphemism for eliminating or killing, while “47” is widely associated with Trump’s numerical place in the presidential lineage as the 47th President. Taken together, the implication raised grave concerns across the political spectrum—especially given the current climate surrounding presidential safety.
🚨BREAKING: DNI Tulsi Gabbard calls for former FBI Director James Comey to be thrown behind bars over his threat against President Trump.
WATTERS: “Do you believe Comey should be in jail?”
GABBARD: “I do. I'm very concerned for the president's life. We've already seen… pic.twitter.com/yrZty7WWkw
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) May 16, 2025
Comey initially brushed off the backlash, stating he had no idea the numbers could be interpreted as violent and claimed he only assumed it was a “political message.” But critics, including Gabbard, aren’t buying it.
On Jesse Watters Primetime, Gabbard made her position clear: “Comey and his people need to be held to account according to the law.” She emphasized the seriousness of suggesting violence against a sitting president, calling the post tantamount to a threat and suggesting Comey should be “put behind bars.”
As Director of National Intelligence, Gabbard's words carry institutional weight—and her alarm wasn’t just rhetorical. She referenced prior assassination attempts and the real danger political figures face in an increasingly volatile environment. “I’m very concerned for the president’s life,” she stated flatly. “There are people who take [Comey] very seriously.”
Just James Comey causally calling for my dad to be murdered.
This is who the Dem-Media worships. Demented!!!! pic.twitter.com/4LUK6crHAT
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) May 15, 2025
The Secret Service has reportedly launched an investigation into the post, with agents being sent to question Comey about its intent. Meanwhile, the White House swiftly condemned the message, with Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich describing it as “deeply concerning” and likening it to “a hit on the sitting President.”
Comey, who has long been a lightning rod for controversy since his tenure at the FBI ended in 2017 under Trump’s administration, declined to comment when reached by Fox News Digital. His silence, however, has done little to dampen the escalating outrage.
