National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard has condemned former FBI Director James Comey for posting an Instagram photo of the numbers ’86 47,’ which she claims ‘issues a call to assassinate’ President Trump. The post, which has since been deleted, was shared by Comey on a beach walk, where he noted the formation of the numbers in the sea shells. Gabbard, appearing on Fox News’ ‘Jesse Watters Primetime,’ called for Comey to be ‘put behind bars’ and emphasized that he should be held accountable under the law for allegedly issuing a direct threat against the president.
‘The rule of law says people like him who issue direct threats against the POTUS, essentially issuing a call to assassinate him, must be held accountable under the law,’ she said. Gabbard expressed deep concern for the president’s safety, stating that the post has her ‘very concerned for [the president’s life].’ She highlighted that Comey’s post has been interpreted by some as an actual call to violence, which she said is a serious threat to national security.
The White House also condemned Comey’s actions, with White House deputy chief of staff and Cabinet Secretary Taylor Budow, who called the post ‘deeply concerning,’ noting that it could be interpreted as a ‘hit’ on Trump. Secret Service agents are reportedly investigating the incident, as the agency became aware of the post and is sending agents to interview Comey. Budowich wrote on X that while Trump was on an international trip to the Middle East, the former FBI Director’s post could be seen as an attempt to harm the sitting president.
Comey, who led the FBI during Trump’s first term before being fired, has not made any public comment on the matter. The controversy has raised questions about the interpretation of symbolic messages and the responsibility of public figures to avoid any perception of incitement to violence. Gabbard also emphasized that Comey has a significant influence and that many people take his words seriously, further justifying her call for legal action against him.