Kristi Noem, the Homeland Security Secretary, stated on Thursday that federal security agencies are investigating a social media post by former FBI Director James Comey, which she and other Republicans suggest incites violence against President Donald Trump.

Em uma publicação no Instagram, Comey legendou uma foto de conchas dispostas na areia, formando os números "86 47", com a frase: "Interessante formação de conchas durante minha caminhada na praia."

Several former Trump administration officials, such as Noem, claimed Comey was encouraging the assassination of President Trump. Noem stated, "The Department of Homeland Security and the Secret Service are investigating this potential threat and will respond accordingly."

Merriam-Webster, a dictionary used by the Associated Press, defines "86" as slang meaning "to get rid of" or "to refuse service." It notes that a newer meaning, "to kill," is a logical extension, but the dictionary hasn't included it due to its recent use and limited evidence.

A publicação foi removida mais tarde. Comey escreveu em seguida: "Partilhei antes uma foto de conchas que encontrei na praia, assumindo que não tinham significado político. Não me apercebi de que alguns interpretam estes números como relacionados com violência."

Comey's original post caused anger among conservatives on social media, with Donald Trump Jr. accusing him of suggesting his father should be killed.

The current FBI Director, Kash Patel, stated he was aware of the post and was consulting with the Secret Service and its director.

James Blair, um dos principais assessores da Casa Branca para temas políticos e legislativos, notou que a publicação surgiu num momento sensível, já que Trump está em viagem pelo Oriente Médio.

"Jim Comey está alertando que terroristas e governos inimigos podem tentar assassinar o Presidente dos Estados Unidos durante sua viagem ao Oriente Médio", Blair escreveu no X.

James Comey, FBI director from 2013 to 2017, was dismissed by President Trump early in his term. This happened while the FBI investigated alleged connections between Russian officials and Trump's 2016 presidential campaign. Comey later wrote about his experiences in the bestselling book, "A Higher Loyalty."

He currently writes crime fiction and is promoting his latest book, "FDR Drive", which comes out next Tuesday.