James Comey says he is only a sweater-wearing grandfather who likes seaside walks and has no thought why individuals are livid over a photograph of seashells.The previous FBI director responded this week to the controversy surrounding a now-deleted Instagram publish that many interpreted as a risk to US President Donald Trump. Within the publish, Comey had shared a picture of shells organized to spell out “86 47” — a mix some interpreted as which means “eliminate the forty seventh president.”“I used to be a grandfather and an writer sporting sweaters and denims. After which went for a stroll on the seaside and posted a foolish image of shells,” Comey stated. Comey stated every quantity was made from in another 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 publish was a risk and stated it by no means occurred to him that folks may see it that method. “We had been strolling alongside the seaside and we noticed on the sand somebody had organized shells with numbers. I believed 86 meant to ditch a spot,” Comey stated.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 USA.Comey insisted there was no hidden which means within the publish. “All for strolling on the seaside 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 type of controversial factor, however that is the time we stay in,” he stated.In a follow-up Instagram message after deleting the publish, 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 variety so I took the publish down.”Critics slam Comey over 86 47 publishDonald 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 publish 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 in opposition to our protectees,” they stated in an announcement.FBI Director Kash Patel additionally stated his company was working with the Secret Service. “Major jurisdiction is with SS on these issues and we, the FBI, will present all essential assist,” Patel stated.In the meantime, Director of Nationwide Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard advised Fox Information that Comey must be behind bars. “I’m very involved for his life,” she stated, referring to President Trump. “And James Comey for my part must 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.
