James Comey says he is only a sweater-wearing grandfather who likes seashore walks and has no concept why individuals are livid over a photograph of seashells.The previous FBI director responded this week to the controversy surrounding a now-deleted Instagram submit that many interpreted as a risk to US President Donald Trump. Within the submit, Comey had shared a picture of shells organized to spell out “86 47” — a mixture some interpreted as which means “eliminate the forty seventh president.”“I used to be a grandfather and an creator sporting sweaters and denims. After which went for a stroll on the seashore and posted a foolish image of shells,” Comey mentioned. Comey mentioned every quantity was made from in a different way colored shells and that he didn’t consider there have been any “darkish intentions” on his or his spouse’s half.He denied that the submit was a risk and mentioned it by no means occurred to him that individuals may see it that manner. “We had been strolling alongside the seashore and we noticed on the sand somebody had organized shells with numbers. I assumed 86 meant to ditch a spot,” Comey mentioned.The quantity 86 is typically used as slang for “eliminating” one thing or somebody, whereas 47 refers to Donald Trump’s present time period because the forty seventh president of the US.Comey insisted there was no hidden which means within the submit. “All for strolling on the seashore with my spouse. So I do not know the way we ended up right here. By no means occurred to me that it was any form of controversial factor, however that is the time we reside in,” he mentioned.In a follow-up Instagram message after deleting the submit, Comey wrote: “I didn’t realise some people affiliate these numbers with violence. It by no means occurred to me however I oppose violence of any form so I took the submit down.”Critics slam Comey over 86 47 submitDonald Trump Jr. wrote, “Simply James Comey casually calling for my dad to be murdered. That is who the Dem-Media worships. Demented!!!!”Secretary of Homeland Safety Kristi Noem claimed in a social media submit that Comey’s message amounted to a direct risk. “Disgraced former FBI Director James Comey simply known as for the assassination of @POTUSTrump,” she wrote. “DHS and Secret Service is investigating this risk and can reply appropriately.”A spokesperson for the Secret Service confirmed they had been conscious of the posts however wouldn’t touch upon any ongoing investigation. “The Secret Service vigorously investigates something that may be taken as a possible risk towards our protectees,” they mentioned in an announcement.FBI Director Kash Patel additionally mentioned his company was working with the Secret Service. “Main jurisdiction is with SS on these issues and we, the FBI, will present all essential help,” Patel mentioned.In the meantime, Director of Nationwide Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard advised Fox Information that Comey needs to be behind bars. “I’m very involved for his life,” she mentioned, referring to President Trump. “And James Comey for my part needs to be held accountable and put behind bars for this.”Comey led the FBI throughout investigations into each Hillary Clinton’s emails and alleged Russian interference within the 2016 US election. He was dismissed by Donald Trump in 2017.
