Story perspectives

DOJ indictment over Comey Instagram “86-47” dismissed

8/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

The DOJ indicted Director James Comey for threatening President Donald Trump with his Instagram “86-47” seashell photo.
Prosecutors say “86-47” is a mob code to kill 47th commander-in-chief, citing Gambino member Salvatore Gravano, while Comey’s lawyer says “86” means cancel an order.
Judge John Gleeson testified he has never heard “86” mean kill, after the DOJ dismissed the indictment and filed an April 2026 indictment for a $14.7 million Lincoln Memorial renovation.

History

Historical Context

In March 1, 1974 a grand jury indicted Nixon aides, and Judge John Sirica’s rulings forced the release of over 1,200 pages of edited White House tape transcripts. The Supreme Court’s July 24, 1974 decision in United States v. Nixon ended Nixon’s claim of executive privilege. The 2026 DOJ indictment of former FBI Director James Comey revives that Watergate precedent of courts scrutinizing executive misuse of investigative power.

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Story summary

The DOJ indicted Director James Comey for threatening President Donald Trump with his Instagram “86-47” seashell photo.
Prosecutors say “86-47” is a mob code to kill 47th commander-in-chief, citing Gambino member Salvatore Gravano, while Comey’s lawyer says “86” means cancel an order.
Judge John Gleeson testified he has never heard “86” mean kill, after the DOJ dismissed the indictment and filed an April 2026 indictment for a $14.7 million Lincoln Memorial renovation.

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