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James Comey, the former director of the FBI, is anticipated to surrender to authorities on Wednesday following new federal accusations.
A North Carolina grand jury has issued a two-count indictment against Comey, alleging that he threatened President Trump. The charges stem from an Instagram photo he shared, featuring seashells arranged on a beach to depict the numbers “86 47.”
The number “86” is colloquially used to indicate removing or discarding someone or something, while “47” refers to Trump as the 47th president.
Comey initially remarked that he believed the arrangement of shells to be a “political message” but was unaware of any violent connotations the numbers might hold. He eventually removed the post from his account.
In a statement released via video on Tuesday, Comey maintained his innocence, denying any misconduct.
“I’m still innocent, I’m still not afraid and I still believe in the independent federal judiciary — so let’s go,” Comey said.
The charges Comey faces require evidence that the former FBI director “knowingly and willfully” issued a threat to “take the life of” Trump.
CNN and ABC News reported he is expected to surrender in the Eastern District of Virginia. The Hill sought comment from his attorney.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has portrayed the prosecution as akin to federal cases clamping down on threats against any public officials of any political affiliation.
“Threatening the life of the president of the United States will never be tolerated by the Department of Justice,” he said at a press conference Tuesday. “Over the past year, this department has charged dozens of cases involving threats against all sorts of individuals.
“We take these seriously,” Blanche added. “Every single one of them.”
The charges Comey faces mark the second time Trump’s Justice Department has secured an indictment against the prominent adversary of the president.
He previously faced false statements and obstruction charges stemming from 2020 testimony he gave Congress concerning leaks at the FBI, but the case was dismissed over the unlawful appointment of the prosecutor who pursued them. The Trump administration has appealed.
Trump’s feud with Comey stems from his move to fire him as FBI director in 2017, which became a focal point of former special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation of whether Trump sought to obstruct the probe into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Comey has been a vocal critic of Trump since.