DOJ indicts James Comey again amid probe tied to ‘86 47’ shell post
Fox News • • general
Key Points:
- Former FBI Director James Comey has been indicted for allegedly threatening President Donald Trump through a May 2025 Instagram post showing seashells arranged as "86 47," which prosecutors interpret as a serious threat.
- Comey and his attorney Patrick Fitzgerald deny the charges and plan to contest the case in court, emphasizing a First Amendment defense citing protected speech.
- Legal experts, including constitutional law attorney Jonathan Turley, warn that the indictment may face significant First Amendment challenges, especially if based solely on the social media image.
- The Justice Department highlighted that the nearly year-long investigation involved extensive review before the grand jury returned the indictment, with intent to be proven through witness testimony and documents.
- Political reactions are sharply divided, with Republicans praising the prosecution and Democrats condemning it as political persecution, while officials stress that threats against any U.S. president will not be tolerated regardless of the individual's status.
