James Comey Indicted Again as DOJ Probe Deepens

Former FBI Director James Comey was indicted on April 28, 2026, over a social media post that officials say constituted a threat against President Donald Trump. The indictment, filed in the Eastern District of North Carolina, charges Comey with two counts: knowingly and willfully making a threat to the life of the president and transmitting a threat in interstate commerce ^[1][2].

The charges stem from a May 2025 social media post by Comey featuring seashells arranged to spell ’86 47,’ which officials interpreted as a threat against Trump, the 47th president. The phrase ’86’ is slang for ‘to get rid of’ or ‘to kill,’ although Comey stated he was unaware of this connotation and opposes violence ^[1][3].

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the indictment, emphasizing that threats against the president will not be tolerated. The charges carry a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years ^[1][4].

Comey’s legal team has stated that he ‘vigorously denies’ the charges and plans to contest them in court, citing First Amendment protections ^[1]. This is the second criminal case against Comey in recent months; a previous indictment for lying to Congress was dismissed in September 2025 after a judge ruled the prosecutor was illegally appointed ^[1][5].

The latest indictment was first reported by CNN, and it has sparked discussions about the interpretation of the ’86 47′ post. The indictment alleges that a reasonable person familiar with the circumstances would interpret the arrangement as a serious expression of intent to harm the president ^[3][6].

What Is Known:

• James Comey was indicted on charges related to a social media post deemed a threat to President Trump ^[1].
• The indictment was filed in the Eastern District of North Carolina and carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years ^[2][4].
• Comey denies the charges and plans to contest them, citing First Amendment rights ^[1].

What Remains Unclear:

• The motivations behind the indictment and whether it is part of a broader political effort remain unconfirmed ^[1].
• The interpretation of the ’86 47′ post and its implications continue to be debated ^[3].