A GOP resolution calls for an investigation into James Comey’s cryptic post, citing incitement against President Trump.

House Republicans Move to Condemn Former FBI Director

House Republicans are demanding accountability from former FBI Director James Comey after he posted and then deleted an Instagram photo featuring seashells arranged to read “86 47,” a message widely interpreted as a coded call to remove President Donald Trump, the 47th president of the United States.

Representative August Pfluger of Texas and Representative Laurel Lee of Florida introduced a formal resolution condemning Comey for what they describe as “incitement of violence against President Donald J. Trump.” Pfluger, chairman of the Republican Study Committee, stated that the resolution urges federal authorities to ensure Comey is never again allowed to hold a federal position. It also calls on the Department of Justice to investigate the matter and share its findings publicly.

The controversial post ignited intense backlash, particularly among Trump allies. Comey deleted the photo and issued a follow-up message, stating, “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.”

President Trump, however, rejected Comey’s explanation. In an interview aired Friday, Trump said, “He knew exactly what that meant. A child knows what that meant. If you're the FBI director and you don’t know what that meant – that meant assassination.”

The backlash was further intensified by Comey’s previous social media activity, including a 2024 post featuring a painted shell reading “Vote Harris.” Critics argue the former director has repeatedly used cryptic imagery to convey political messages. The Secret Service has since launched an investigation and met with Comey in Washington, D.C., for a 70-minute interview. His wife is also scheduled to be questioned.

Security Risks and Political Ramifications

The timing of Comey’s “86 47” post—while Trump was abroad on a diplomatic mission—drew further condemnation. Lawmakers warned it could have endangered the president and emboldened adversaries. Lee, a former federal prosecutor, stated the post “raises legitimate concerns under federal statutes that prohibit threats against presidents and incitement to violence.”

The resolution also references two known assassination attempts on Trump during the 2024 campaign, including the Butler, Pennsylvania rally where the president was shot in the ear. Lee, who served on the task force investigating that attack, described Comey’s actions as “alarming and disqualifying.”

Comey’s post has drawn widespread political condemnation. Senator Ted Cruz stated the incident exemplifies how “extreme rhetoric from the left contributes to an atmosphere of violence.” Representative Andy Ogles said, “If a right-winger posted this against a leftist, all hell would break loose.”

The FBI, which Comey previously led before being dismissed by Trump during his first term, declined to comment. However, FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that the agency is working in coordination with the Secret Service, which currently leads the investigation.

As scrutiny intensifies, Trump has emphasized the seriousness of the situation, noting the symbolic and potential physical threat implied. He has left the question of prosecution to federal authorities, stating, “I’m going to let them make that decision.”