Comey Under Fire: Kash Patel Says Ex-FBI Chief Helped Incite Trump Death Plots

In a startling development, FBI Director Kash Patel has claimed that a recent surge in threats against former President Donald Trump can be traced back to a now-deleted Instagram post by former FBI Director James Comey. Patel’s allegation suggests that Comey’s cryptic post may have indirectly inspired potential violent actors and placed undue strain on federal law enforcement.

The controversy centers on an image posted by Comey in May, showing seashells arranged to read “86 45.” The number 86 is commonly interpreted as slang for “get rid of,” while 45 references Trump as the 45th president. Supporters of Trump and figures like Patel argue that such symbolism can be seen as a call to violence—especially in a volatile political climate where threats against public figures are rising.

Patel, speaking in media interviews, said that since the post, the FBI has been forced to redirect agents from investigations into drug trafficking and child exploitation to address a wave of copycat threats. He criticized the normalization of coded messages that could be interpreted as inciting violence, calling Comey’s actions “irresponsible and dangerous.”

Comey has pushed back, stating the post was misinterpreted and not intended to be violent. He has since removed the image and reiterated his condemnation of political violence.

The Secret Service has reportedly launched a probe into the matter to determine whether the post or related threats pose a legitimate risk to the former president’s safety.

As political tensions remain high following the 2024 election, the incident underscores the delicate line between free expression and public safety—and the intense scrutiny faced by public figures in the digital age.