James Comey Indictment Tied To More Than ‘86 47’ Post, Acting AG Todd Blanche Says

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the case against James Comey involves more evidence than the widely discussed “86 47” Instagram post that sparked national attention.

Speaking on a Sunday news program, Blanche emphasized that federal prosecutors and investigators did not base the indictment solely on the social media image. He pointed to the involvement of career attorneys, FBI agents, and Secret Service personnel in building the case.

Blanche declined to detail what additional evidence was presented, citing grand jury secrecy rules. However, he stressed that indictments are not issued lightly and said the case reflects a broader body of findings beyond the single post.

Comey was indicted by a federal grand jury in North Carolina on charges related to alleged threats against Donald Trump. The indictment references a photo posted in May 2025 showing seashells arranged to form “86 47,” which prosecutors argue constituted a threat.

Blanche acknowledged that the phrase appears frequently in public discourse but said context matters in determining whether it crosses a legal line. He added that not everyone who uses the phrase would face charges.

Comey has denied wrongdoing and maintains that his post was misinterpreted. He has said the term “86” is commonly used in the hospitality industry to mean removing something or refusing service, not as a call to violence.

The case is expected to move forward in federal court as prosecutors and defense attorneys prepare to argue over the meaning, intent, and broader context surrounding the evidence.