Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced that the Justice Department’s indictment of former FBI Director James Comey for an Instagram post does not imply that everyone posting similar content will face prosecution. Comey was indicted for a 2025 post featuring seashells arranged as “86 47,” interpreted as a threat against Donald Trump, the 47th president. Blanche emphasized that each case is unique and not all instances of posting these numbers will lead to charges. The defense argues that Comey is being selectively prosecuted, as similar posts during Joe Biden’s presidency did not result in charges. Prosecutors must prove Comey’s post was a “true threat,” a challenging legal standard. This case highlights the complexities of free speech and threats against public figures.
QUESTION: How might the outcome of this case influence how people express themselves on social media?
Blanche, asked about other postings of ’86 47,’ says ‘every case is different’
