Ex-FBI boss James Comey posts two numbers, 86 and 47, sparking a stir in MAGA world; here's what they signify and why Donald Trump's sympathizers are up in arms

Ex-FBI Director James Comey sparked outrage among US president Donald Trump supporters on Thursday after he shared a photo to Instagram that many MAGA fans interpreted as a call for violence against the president, as per a report.

The Photo That Sparked the Storm

His Instagram post, which is now deleted, featured an arrangement of shells on a beach spelling out the numbers "86" and "47," with the caption: “Cool shell formation on my beach walk," as per Mediaite report. The symbolism associated with the numbers immediately set off criticism online.

ALSO READ: Despite tanking sales, Tesla mulls mega payday for Elon Musk, sparking outrage and confusion among investors and analysts

What Do the Numbers Mean?

The number "86" in slag means, "to throw out," "to get rid of," or "to refuse service to", as defined by Merriam-Webster.

Mediaite explained that the meaning "Comes from 1930s soda-counter slang meant that an item was sold out. There is varying anecdotal evidence about why the term eighty-six was used, but the most common theory is that it is rhyming slang for nix.”

ALSO READ: 98% of Warren Buffett's wealth came after he turned 65; here's the secret of the Oracle of Omaha

Immediate MAGA Reaction

The president's son Donald Trump Jr. and many others in the pro-Trump camp reacted immediately and accused Comey of calling for violence against the US president, according to the report.


Trump Jr. went to social media platform X to respond, saying, “Just James Comey causally calling for my dad to be murdered. This is who the Dem-Media worships. Demented!!!!” as per his X post.

Fox News’s Katie Pavlich asked, “What is former FBI Director James Comey trying to say here, exactly?” quoted Mediaite.

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowish commented, saying, “While President Trump is currently on an international trip to the Middle East, the former FBI Director puts out what can clearly be interpreted as “a hit” on the sitting President of the United States—a message etched in the sand. This is deeply concerning to all of us and is being taken seriously,” quoted Mediaite.

Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) reacted, saying, “Disgraced former FBI Director James @Comey is calling for President Trump to be eliminated,” as quoted in the report.

While fellow Arizonan Meghan McCain mentioned, “Don’t know how this can be interpreted as any other way but a threat against President Trump. James Comey should at the very least get a visit from the secret service. Also is everyone mentally ill?” as per Mediaite.

James Comey Responds

However, Comey later deleted his Instagram post and wrote that, "I posted earlier a picture of some shells I saw today on a beach walk, which I assumed were a political message," adding, "I didn't realize some folks associate those numbers with violence. It never occurred to me but I oppose violence of any kind so I took the post down," as per his Instagram post.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by James Comey (@comey)

FAQs

What did James Comey post that caused so much backlash?
He posted a photo of beach shells arranged to form the numbers "86" and "47," which many interpreted as a coded message targeting Donald Trump.

Did Comey admit to sending a threatening message?
No. Comey said he didn't realize the numbers could be interpreted as violent and took the post down once it was brought to his attention.