Story perspectives

James Comey Indicted Over Alleged Trump Threat, ‘86’ Dispute

5/6/2026

Center

Comey Indicted

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the indictment relies on an 11-month investigation and evidence beyond the Instagram photo.
FBI Director James Comey was indicted by jury in North Carolina on April 28 for allegedly threatening President Donald Trump.
Senator Thomas Tillis said no evidence “86” signals violence and called the indictment possibly vindictive.
The threat comes from Comey’s May 15, 2025 Instagram post arranging seashells reading “86 47.”

Left

Comey Indicted

Career attorneys are quitting the Justice Department in large numbers, saying the agency’s political focus targets President Donald Trump’s opponents.
Director James Comey was indicted in North Carolina on April 28 for threatening U.S. President Donald Trump with a photo.
Senator Adam Schiff said the DOJ’s focus on the Comey case distracts from violent-crime investigations.
Legal experts and Republicans called the indictment weak, noting it follows a dismissed Comey charge.

History

Historical Context

The 1973 Watergate scandal, highlighted by the June 17 indictment of President Richard Nixon’s aides by Special Prosecutor Archibald Cox, revealed executive overreach. Cox’s 18-month investigation uncovered 5 senior officials, leading to $500,000 in fines and multiple convictions. Similarly, the 2025 indictment of FBI Director James Comey by North Carolina prosecutors, cited by Attorney General Todd Blanche, mirrors Watergate’s politicized prosecutions. Both episodes fueled partisan resignations, with dozens of DOJ attorneys quitting and Senate leaders like Thomas Tillis and Adam Schiff demanding reforms.

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Comey Indicted

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the indictment relies on an 11-month investigation and evidence beyond the Instagram photo.
FBI Director James Comey was indicted by jury in North Carolina on April 28 for allegedly threatening President Donald Trump.
Senator Thomas Tillis said no evidence “86” signals violence and called the indictment possibly vindictive.
The threat comes from Comey’s May 15, 2025 Instagram post arranging seashells reading “86 47.”

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