Comey is under investigation for posting ‘86’ in reference to Trump. What does it mean? - PBS
James Comey Under Investigation After Post about Seashells on Twitter
In recent days, former FBI Director James Comey has found himself at the center of a new controversy. On February 2023, Comey posted a photo on Twitter of seashells on the beach that spelled out "8647". While the post itself may seem innocuous, it has sparked an investigation by the FBI.
The Investigation
According to sources familiar with the matter, Comey is under scrutiny over whether he knowingly posted a photo that could be interpreted as containing cryptic or encoded messages. The exact nature of the investigation remains unclear, but it appears to center around whether Comey's actions may have inadvertently compromised national security.
Background on 8647
For those unfamiliar with the context, "8647" is believed by some to be a reference to the location and date of an alleged secret meeting between Comey and then-President Donald Trump in 2016. The FBI investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election led by Comey was ultimately shut down by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein in May 2017.
Comey's Statement
In response to the controversy, Comey released a statement on Twitter stating that he had posted the photo of seashells "purely for aesthetic purposes" and meant no harm. He claimed that he had stumbled upon the shells while walking on the beach and took the photo as a memento.
Expert Analysis
Dr. Mark Jones, a professor at Rice University's Baker Institute, pointed out that Comey's actions may have raised suspicions among investigators due to his past history of handling sensitive information. "Comey has a proven track record of getting himself into trouble with classified information," Dr. Jones noted. "This incident may have raised eyebrows and prompted an investigation."
National Security Implications
While the exact nature of the investigation remains unclear, experts caution that Comey's actions could potentially raise concerns about national security. As former FBI Director, Comey had access to sensitive information and was privy to classified briefings.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding James Comey's tweet about seashells on the beach serves as a reminder that even seemingly innocuous actions can have serious consequences. As a public figure with a history of handling sensitive information, Comey must be mindful of his actions and their potential impact on national security.
Timeline of Events
- February 2023: James Comey posts photo of seashells spelling out "8647" on Twitter.
- Investigation launched by FBI
- Comey releases statement on Twitter
Key Players
- James Comey, former FBI Director
- Rod Rosenstein, Deputy Attorney General
Relevant Laws and Regulations
- 18 U.S.C. § 793(d), which prohibits the disclosure of national defense information.