Story perspectives

DOJ Indicts Ex-FBI Director Over Threatening Instagram Post

4/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Justice Department filed a second criminal case against former FBI Director James Comey.
Comey was indicted on two federal charges for an Instagram post showing seashells that formed “86 47”.
The indictment says a reasonable recipient would view the shells as a serious threat to President Donald Trump.
After the post, Secret Service and Department of Homeland Security agents interviewed Comey, who later deleted the image, saying he opposed violence.

History

Historical Context

The Watergate scandal began with the June 17, 1972 arrest of five men at the Democratic National Committee headquarters, prompting Senate hearings in May 1973 and the “Saturday Night Massacre” in October 1973. The crisis forced President Nixon to resign on August 9, 1974, creating a precedent that federal probes can remove senior officials—a backdrop for the 2024 DOJ indictment of FBI Director James Comey.

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Story summary

The Justice Department filed a second criminal case against former FBI Director James Comey.
Comey was indicted on two federal charges for an Instagram post showing seashells that formed “86 47”.
The indictment says a reasonable recipient would view the shells as a serious threat to President Donald Trump.
After the post, Secret Service and Department of Homeland Security agents interviewed Comey, who later deleted the image, saying he opposed violence.

1 / 2