The Secret Service is investigating former FBI Director James Comey after he posted an image of the numbers “8647,” which some interpreted as a violent message towards Donald Trump. In a recent CNN interview, Comey expressed doubts about the current FBI leadership under Kash Patel and Dan Bongino, criticizing their qualifications. He addressed a recent Bongino announcement regarding ongoing investigations into public corruption but questioned its clarity and audience. Comey, who has been a vocal critic of Trump since his dismissal in 2017, stated he feels targeted and worries about personal security. He later labeled the post’s interpretation as a misunderstanding and deleted it.
Secret Service probing ex-FBI chief James Comey’s ‘8647’ post
Ex-FBI Director James Comey shared an image of the numbers ‘8647,’ igniting controversy as some interpreted it as an incitement to violence.
Former FBI Director James Comey expressed his “concerns” regarding current bureau leaders, Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino, during a recent television interview following his own altercation involving President Donald Trump.
“There are many professionals in the FBI who excel at their jobs,” Comey stated in a May 28 interview with CNN. “I hope these two individuals are allowing them to provide guidance.”
Comey has been a staunch critic of Trump since the president terminated his position in 2017.
When asked by CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer whether he believed Patel and Bongino, both Trump appointments, were capable of leading the FBI, Comey responded firmly: “Nothing in their personal or professional backgrounds gives me confidence that they possess the skills necessary to lead such an organization.”
Comey took issue with a recent claim by Bongino that the bureau would focus on three instances of “potential public corruption,” including the finding of cocaine in the White House in 2023 and the 2022 leak of a Supreme Court draft decision overturning Roe v. Wade.
“Honestly, it’s a bit perplexing to me. I can only imagine the challenge of transitioning from a podcaster to the deputy director of the FBI,” Comey remarked, subtly criticizing Bongino’s prior career as a conservative talk show host.
According to Comey, Supreme Court Marshal Gail Curley investigated the leaked opinion at the time of the event, saying, “I’m uncertain about the FBI’s involvement there.” The lengthy investigation concluded in January 2023, with Curley stating in a 20-page report that the leak’s source could not be identified.
The Secret Service was also unable to identify the individual responsible for the cocaine found in the White House. Their investigation was concluded in under two weeks due to “a lack of physical evidence.” Former President Joe Biden was away during the incident when the illegal substance was discovered in the West Wing.
Comey pointed out that the third case on Bongino’s agenda, regarding an unknown assailant who placed pipe bombs by the Republican and Democratic national committees’ headquarters on January 6, 2021, has yet to be closed.
However, Bongino’s post on X indicated that this case was included in a new investigation.
“I also don’t grasp who the intended audience for this tweet is,” Comey told CNN.
Comey mentioned that while the FBI does solicit public help in certain situations, “this seems much more narrowly focused—perhaps aimed at a former podcast audience.”
Since being ousted by Trump, Comey expressed that he feels as though he’s become a target.
“When the President of the United States sets his sights on you, it alters your life in numerous ways,” he explained. “It leads others to target you and your family, which is my biggest concern.”
When asked about his security concerns, Comey told Blitzer, “I’m always concerned.”
“I’m a giraffe, so I stand out,” remarked Comey, who is 6’8″.
Recently, the former FBI director faced criticism for a now-deleted social media post featuring an image of seashells that spelled “8647.”
Some interpreted the post as a threat of violence. In American slang, the number 86 can imply removal, often linked to disorderly conduct, while 47 is frequently associated with Trump, the 47th president.
Comey has described the video as a misunderstanding.
“I perceived it as a subtle political stance against Donald Trump, done in a creative manner,” he mentioned on CNN. “I had never heard—still haven’t convincingly heard—the numbers 86 linked to murder. But if people are referencing that, which never crossed my mind, I don’t want it associated with my Instagram post. Hence, I removed it.”