A federal grand jury has handed down a new indictment against former FBI Director James Comey, charging him with making threats against President Donald Trump. The charges stem from an Instagram post Comey made nearly a year ago, featuring a photograph of seashells arranged on a beach with the numbers "86 47" visible. Prosecutors contend the post, with the slang interpretation of "86" meaning to "nix" or "get rid of," coupled with Trump being the 47th president, constitutes a serious threat.
The indictment, returned by a grand jury in the Eastern District of North Carolina, includes two counts:
Knowingly and willfully making a threat to take the life of or inflict bodily harm upon the President.
Knowingly and willfully transmitting in interstate commerce a threat to kill the President.
An arrest warrant has been issued for Comey, though federal prosecutors clarified the warrant was issued by the grand jury, not directly by the Justice Department.
Administration's Renewed Effort
This marks the second indictment of Comey by the current administration, described by sources as a renewed effort to prosecute a political opponent. A previous indictment against Comey on unrelated charges was dismissed last year after a judge ruled the prosecutor involved was unlawfully appointed.
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Comey has maintained his innocence, stating he was unaware the post could be interpreted as a threat. He previously posted about the seashell photo, suggesting he assumed it was a "political message" and did not realize some associated the numbers with violence, asserting his opposition to violence "of any kind."
The incident first drew significant attention last May when Trump administration officials, including then-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, condemned the post. Secret Service agents reportedly interviewed Comey about the photo at that time.
Background of Scrutiny
Comey's falling out with President Trump predates Trump's first election, stemming from Comey's FBI investigating the Trump campaign's ties to Russia. The administration has pursued other politically charged prosecutions against Trump adversaries.
The Justice Department and Comey's attorney have not immediately responded to requests for comment.
