Story perspectives

Former FBI Chief Comey Indicted for Threatening Trump

4/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

James Comey, former FBI director, was indicted in Eastern North Carolina on two felonies for threatening President Donald Trump.
The charges stem from a May 2025 Instagram post showing seashells arranged as “86 47,” which Comey said was a political message and later deleted.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, a Trump ally, announced the indictment while awaiting Senate confirmation, after a September indictment was dismissed for an improperly appointed prosecutor.

History

Historical Context

Mitchell’s 1974 conviction for conspiracy stemmed from the June 17 1972 Watergate break-in that triggered a Senate investigation led by Senator Sam Ervin and ultimately forced President Richard Nixon’s resignation in August 1974; the scandal saw 69 people charged, making Mitchell the highest-ranking official ever imprisoned. He and CIA director Richard Helms each received a one-year sentence.

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Story summary

James Comey, former FBI director, was indicted in Eastern North Carolina on two felonies for threatening President Donald Trump.
The charges stem from a May 2025 Instagram post showing seashells arranged as “86 47,” which Comey said was a political message and later deleted.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, a Trump ally, announced the indictment while awaiting Senate confirmation, after a September indictment was dismissed for an improperly appointed prosecutor.

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