Overview

• James Comey asserts his Instagram post of seashells spelling '86 47' was an innocent and artistic political statement, not a call for violence.
• The Department of Homeland Security and Secret Service are investigating the post, which some interpret as a coded threat to 'remove' President Trump, the 47th president.
• Comey has met with Secret Service agents, explaining that he deleted the post after backlash to avoid any association with violence.
• FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino warns of a rise in copycat threats referencing '86,' straining law enforcement resources.
• Trump and Republican figures, including Senator Ted Cruz, have strongly condemned the post, while Comey continues to deny any malicious intent.