Comey Backs Judiciary in 86 47 Case as He Fights 2025 Seashell Indictment

3 articles · Updated · NBC News · May 17

James Comey said he has “complete faith” in the U.S. judiciary as he faces a federal case over a 2025 Instagram photo of seashells arranged as “86 47.”
Prosecutors say the post threatened President Donald Trump’s life, arguing “86” means “to kill,” while Comey has declined to discuss the case’s specifics because it is ongoing.
Todd Blanche, the acting attorney general, has said the indictment rests on nearly 11 months of evidence beyond the single post; Comey responded Sunday that Blanche should not be discussing the matter publicly.
Comey has cast the prosecution as political retaliation by Trump, linking it to other failed cases against Trump critics and saying the Justice Department cannot target people the president dislikes and still uphold the rule of law.

What evidence beyond a social media post is needed to prove a former official intended a criminal threat?

When does ambiguous online language legally become a prosecutable threat against a public figure?