Secret Service investigating cryptic post on Trump by ex-FBI chief James Comey

The U.S. Secret Service and Department of Homeland Security are investigating former FBI Director James Comey's Instagram post of shells arranged on a beach that read "8647," DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said Thursday evening.Why it matters: "86" is a slang term that can mean "to get rid of" and some use it to mean to kill — something President Trump's elder son, Donald Trump Jr., pointed to on X as he shared a screenshot of Comey's since-deleted post with the comment, "Just James Comey causally calling for my dad to be murdered."Driving the news: Comey, who was fired by Trump during the president's first term, wrote in the post accompanying the photo to his 130,000 Instagram followers: "Cool shell formation on my beach walk." A trend has emerged of posting the number "86" alongside "47," reflecting Trump's current term in the historical number of U.S. presidents as a means of resistance, the Detroit Free Press noted.Comey said in an updated post he assumed the shells were "a political message," but "didn't realize some folks associate those numbers with violence."What's happening: "Disgraced former FBI Director James Comey just called for the assassination" of Trump, Noem said on X Thursday evening."DHS and Secret Service is investigating this threat and will respond appropriately."USSS spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said the Secret Service "vigorously investigates anything that can be taken as a potential threat against our protectees." She added: "We take this responsibility very seriously and we are aware of the social media posts in question. Beyond that, we do not comment on protective intelligence matters."Meanwhile, FBI Director Kash Patel said on X the Bureau is aware of Comey's post and in communication with the USSS and its director Sean Curran. "Primary jurisdiction is with SS on these matters and we, the FBI, will provide all necessary support," he added.What they're saying: Taylor Budowich, White House deputy chief of staff and Cabinet secretary, on X called Comey's post "deeply concerning to all of us" and said it was being taken seriously."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," Budowich said.Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) wrote on X, "Arrest Comey."Editor's note: This a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.

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