Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen stated on Thursday that federal law enforcement is investigating a social media post by former FBI Director James Comey, which she and other Republicans suggest incites violence against President Donald Trump.

In an Instagram post, Comey described an "intriguing shell arrangement" spotted during a beach walk, accompanying the description with a photograph of the shells configured in a manner resembling the numbers "86 47."

Numerous Trump administration officials, including Noem, alleged that Comey was inciting the assassination of President Trump, the 47th President of the United States. Noem stated that "the Department of Homeland Security and the Secret Service are investigating this threat and will respond accordingly."

According to Merriam-Webster, the dictionary used by the Associated Press, "86" is slang for "discard," "eliminate," or "refuse service." The dictionary notes: "Among the more recently adopted meanings is 'to kill,' a logical extension of the aforementioned senses; however, this meaning is relatively new and lacks sufficient usage to warrant inclusion at this time."

The post was subsequently removed. Comey followed up, writing, "Earlier today, I posted a picture of a seashell I found on the beach, never imagining it would be construed as a political statement. I had no idea some would interpret the configuration as an allusion to violence."

Comey's initial post ignited a firestorm of outrage amongst conservatives on social media, particularly due to accusations that Donald Trump Jr. had advocated for the assassination of his father.

Kash Patel, the current FBI Director, has stated that he is aware of the posts and is in consultation with the Secret Service and its director.

Given the context of Trump's visit to the Middle East, James Blair, White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Legislative Affairs, Political Affairs and Public Policy, characterized the timing of the post as exceptionally delicate.

Blair posted on X, asserting, "This constitutes a blatant incitement by James Comey for terrorists and hostile regimes to assassinate the US President while he is visiting the Middle East."

James Comey, who served as FBI Director from 2013 to 2017, was dismissed by President Trump during his first term amidst an investigation into alleged ties between Russian officials and Trump's 2016 presidential campaign; Comey chronicled his experiences in his bestselling memoir, "A Higher Loyalty."

Currently, he is active as a crime novelist, promoting his latest work, "FDR Drive," which hits the shelves on Tuesday.