Comedian Bill Maher took a humorous jab at the bizarre conspiracy theories surrounding the alleged gunman at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, suggesting he had been “activated” by former FBI Director James Comey’s enigmatic seashell message. During his HBO show, Real Time, Maher referenced President Donald Trump’s assertion that a “8647” seashell arrangement shared by Comey was a veiled threat to the president’s life.

Maher employed his trademark sarcasm, remarking, “Very serious stuff,” as he delved into the peculiar claim. He explained that the Justice Department was allegedly considering imprisoning Comey over the seashell post, which supposedly signaled “86 47.”

With a playful tone, Maher quipped, “He’s the Manchurian beachcomber. Eighty-six, you get it, 86, get rid of, 47. Ah! Yeah, they’re going a little crazy there in Washington.”

‘The Justice Department is trying to put former head of the FBI, James Comey, in jail for posting seashells,’ he added. ‘Why? Because the seashells spelled out, 86 47.’

‘He’s the Manchurian beachcomber. Eighty-six, you get it, 86, get rid of, 47. Ah! Yeah, they’re going a little crazy there in Washington.’

The term ’86’ is slang often used in restaurants to mean removing something, though it may also imply killing. Trump is the 47th president. 

Comey surrendered earlier this week at a federal courthouse in the Eastern District of Virginia on federal charges involving threatening the president and transmitting a threat in interstate commerce.   

Trump went on to describe the bureau’s ex-boss as a ‘dirty cop, one of the worst,’ and reiterated his claim that ’86’ referred to plans to put him ‘eight miles out, six feet down.’ 

Bill Maher joked that the alleged gunman at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner was ‘activated’ by former FBI Director James Comey’s seashells 

In May 2025, Comey shared a post showing the numbers ’86 47′ written with seashells, which Trump claimed was a direct threat against his life

Comey surrendered at a federal courthouse in the Eastern District of Virginia on federal charges involving threatening the president

It came just days after 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen allegedly breached security in an attempt to assassinate Trump at the Washington Hilton last weekend. 

In a 1,000-word letter sent minutes before he allegedly charged Secret Service agents at DC’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner, Allen allegedly said he intended to kill all of Trump’s top officials – except current FBI Director Kash Patel. 

During his monologue, speaking about the highly educated tutor now potentially facing life in prison, Maher said: ‘He seemed like such a nice, normal guy, the last person you would ever expect to be trying to kill the president.’

‘Until he was activated by James Comey’s seashells,’ he then quipped, drawing a roar of laughter from the audience.

Comey posted the photo in May 2025 with the caption: ‘Cool shell formation on my beach walk.’ He deleted the post on the same day he published it and apologized. 

In a Truth Social post shared Wednesday night, the president wrote: ‘”86″ is a mob term for “kill him,”‘ Trump said on Wednesday night. ‘They say 86 him! 86 47 means “kill President Trump.”‘

Meanwhile, Comey declared his innocence in a video posted to Substack: ‘I’m still innocent, I’m still not afraid and I still believe in the independent federal judiciary, so let’s go.’

His defense team is now planning to file motions accusing the Department of Justice of selectively and vindictively prosecuting him at Trump’s order – something Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has denied.

The president referred to Comey as a ‘dirty cop, one of the worst’

Comey’s defense team is planning to file motions accusing the DOJ of selectively and vindictively prosecuting him at Trump’s order. Trump and Comey are pictured in a 2018 file photo

It came after 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen allegedly breached security in an attempt to assassinate Trump at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner 

As usual, Maher’s segment covered a range of current events, though the biggest topic was the chaos that unfolded in the nation’s capital as he broke his silence on the correspondents’ dinner shooting.

‘Another week where political violence has rid its ugly head again. We are officially now – I’m sure you saw what happened at the correspondents’ dinner – in the age of Gen Z assassins,’ the comedian said.

‘Did you see this one? Before he did it, he took a selfie. No, I’m not making that up,’ he added.

The selfie in question, released this week, showed Allen with a slight smirk and apparently armed with weapons just moments before he allegedly tried to charge the ritzy dinner with a shotgun.

Prosecutors said he took the mirror selfie in his hotel room at 8.03pm, dressed in evening attire and wearing a small leather bag containing ammunition, a shoulder holster, a sheathed knife, pliers and wire cutters. 

‘His manifesto had jokes. Jokes,’ Maher told the audience. ‘And it was on recycled paper.’

In Allen’s manifesto, included in a criminal complaint obtained by the Daily Mail and filed by the Department of Justice (DOJ), he appeared to use humor, including criticizing the ‘incompetency’ of the event’s security.

‘PS: Ok now that all the sappy stuff is done, what the hell is the Secret Service doing?’ one sentence read.

Maher joked that we are ‘in the age of Gen Z assassins’ on his Friday night show

Maher spoke of the selfie released of the suspect, which showed Allen with a slight smirk and apparently armed with weapons before the attempted shooting

Maher said Allen (left) ‘seemed like such a nice, normal guy, the last person you would ever expect to be trying to kill the president’

Another said: ‘Like, this level of incompetence is insane, and I very sincerely hope it’s corrected by the time this country gets actually competent leadership again.’

He even signed off under the name ‘Cole “coldForce” “Friendly Federal Assassin” Allen.’

Maher continued: ‘We’re in a very different era. We know who this guy is now. At the time, what happened, nobody knew. No one knew, because they just knew a guy. He had a shotgun. He had 38. He had hunting knives.’  

‘Either it was a far left activist heading out to kill, or a right winger heading out dinner,’ the host added, again earning applause from the crowd.

‘The good news is that no one at the banquet was hurt, really. As soon as it started, everyone went under the table, where a lot of the Trump administration was anyway.’

Maher also welcomed California Governor Gavin Newsom to the show, where he called out the politician for attempting to imitate Trump, leading to a somewhat tense exchange. 

Newsom has made no secret of his ambitions to run for president in 2028, and part of his efforts to stir up publicity have included sharing Trump-ian insults on social media.

‘Many people would say that you are imitating him. Of all the people who may or may not be running, you’re the one who imitates his style with the trolling,’ Maher said. 

Maher mocked Trump during the shooting, saying, ‘as soon as it started, everyone went under the table, where a lot of the Trump administration was anyway’

Maher quipped that an armed man is either ‘a far left activist heading out to kill, or a right winger heading out dinner’

Maher welcomed California Governor Gavin Newsom to the show, where he called out the politician for attempting to imitate Trump

He also pointed out that Newsom is now suing Fox News for libel. The governor responded by bragging about it, declaring: ‘Fox better look to settle right now or apologize for defamation.’

Alarmed, Maher fired back: ‘Okay, but that sounds exactly what he does! Suing media?’ Newsom replied, ‘Well then don’t defame, don’t lie,’ to which the comedian again said he sounded like the president.

He then attempted to explain his social media style by claiming that he merely wanted to meet the moment. The longtime liberal governor has an entire press office social media feed dedicated to mimicking Trump’s boisterous style.

‘To me that’s the biggest reflection of this moment, is how…the…just the sewer that we are now living in because of Donald Trump. And he’s allowed all of us to feel free to shove again,’ he said.

A promising lead in the search for Keith Palumbo, a missing man from Delaware County, Pennsylvania, directed investigators to an unlikely location—inside a cemetery crypt, where they uncovered a chilling scene.

The tragic story of Keith Palumbo, a 36-year-old musician and tattoo artist, who met a grisly end at the hands of a longtime friend, is now being highlighted in the true-crime series “Philly Homicide” on Oxygen. Retired detective Chris McMullin takes viewers through the details of this and other notorious crimes in Philadelphia.

“This case is profoundly sad,” McMullin shared with Fox News Digital. “The investigation was extensive, involving numerous interviews with individuals who either had direct knowledge or were somehow involved. These efforts eventually led us to Mount Moriah Cemetery. Frankly, it wasn’t entirely unexpected, as I’m aware that many stolen vehicles have been abandoned there.”

Keith Palumbo, known for his contributions as a heavy metal guitarist, was tragically murdered in February 2020. The discovery of his remains within a crypt at Philadelphia’s Mount Moriah Cemetery added a somber layer to the investigation.

“In the episode, I even mention that if someone intended to conceal a body, this neglected cemetery would be a prime location,” McMullin noted, pointing out the lack of maintenance at the site.

In April 2020, investigators unearthed not only Palumbo’s body, but also the remains of David Rossillo Jr., 33, a prospective member of the Warlocks Motorcycle Club. Both victims were found in the family vault of Capt. A.H. Cain, who died in 1884. Rossillo’s killing was a separate incident, though his remains were discovered in the same crypt.

Keith Palumbo was described as a beloved tattoo artist and local musician. (GoFundMe)

McMullin said that Mount Moriah Cemetery had fallen into disrepair for years and was largely abandoned. According to reports, it had become a known dumping ground for stolen cars and other illegal activity.

Retired detective Joe Bamberski spoke about the case of Keith Palumbo in “Philly Homicide.” The episode “Metal and Mayhem” airs on May 2, 2026, at 8 p.m. (Oxygen)

“Mount Moriah Cemetery had gone out of business years ago,” McMullin said, referring to its long period of neglect.

“I’ve been there. There was a time when I worked part-time in the funeral business and I was there. It’s something like out of a post-apocalyptic film when you go there. There are headstones that are knocked over and vines growing all over mausoleums. It’s very sad because this was a cemetery where people were laid to rest. Typically, you expect it to be cared for perpetually.”

Retired detective Chris McMullin is the host of Oxygen’s “Philly Homicide.” (Oxygen)

“We’re also talking about a huge cemetery,” McMullin continued. “[The investigators] got lucky because, as they were walking around, they noticed that one of the crypts seemed to have been recently disturbed.”

“I want to thank now-retired Philadelphia Police Detective Joe Bambersky for his diligent and tireless work on this case,” said Assistant District Attorney Robert Wainwright in a statement. “I’m very pleased that we are able to bring some measure of justice and peace to the loved ones of these two victims.” (Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office)

Palumbo was described as coming from a close family and was known in his community for being a heavy metal guitarist. When he went missing in February 2020, his family immediately knew something was wrong.

At the time he went missing, Palumbo was driving his mother’s car with two other men when he received a phone call from his friend, Warlocks member Michael DeLuca, who went by the nickname “Kaos,” The Philadelphia Inquirer reported. According to the outlet, DeLuca had told Palumbo to go to his Southwest Philadelphia home.

Friend Michael Davvocato also sat down for “Philly Homicide” to speak about Keith Palumbo’s murder. (Unknown)

“When I learned that he had gone missing, it just gave me an ominous feeling,” said McMullin. “All the cases we explore in this series are tragic, but this was such a case of betrayal.”

DNA taken from the remains led to the official identification of David Rossillo Jr. and Keith Palumbo in August 2020. (Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office)

The outlet reported that after the three men arrived at DeLuca’s apartment, he pulled out a handgun and pointed it at Palumbo. While Palumbo protested, a witness told investigators that DeLuca shot him in the face. The outlet noted that the account was cited by one of the men who was said to be in the apartment at the time.

McMullin said that while the circumstances of the argument were unclear, authorities and witnesses suggested DeLuca may have suspected Palumbo of cooperating with law enforcement, though no evidence was presented to support that claim.

“I don’t know if we ever got a specific answer from DeLuca,” McMullin admitted. “It was speculated that he may have done it to set an example not to cross him. This victim was his lifelong best friend. Was he trying to make an example for the other members? It certainly seemed like they were afraid of him.”

When looking for Keith Palumbo, police discovered a crypt that was recently disturbed. (Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office)

“I do think there’s probably an issue with impulse control there,” said McMullin. “I do think that this was calculated and planned. They more than likely took [Palumbo] to the clubhouse with the intention of doing that to him.”

While the Warlocks may not carry the same name recognition as groups like the Hells Angels, authorities have long identified the Pennsylvania-based club as a serious outlaw motorcycle gang.

Many loved ones, including Lierin Buckley, came forward and spoke out about the case of Keith Palumbo in “Philly Homicide.” (Oxygen)

Federal and local investigators have tied members to a range of violent crimes, including murder, assault and drug trafficking, a reminder that a lower profile does not mean a lesser threat.

Mount Moriah Cemetery in Southwest Philadelphia had become a dumping ground for stolen cars and other illegal activity. (Oxygen)

“The other organizations are much larger and they show up in places that get more public attention and media attention, versus a smaller organization like the Warlocks, where they’re not fully national in scope,” retired ATF Special Agent in Charge Bernard Zapor explained to Fox News Digital.

“Some gangs are purposely more low-key,” he said. “They’re not interested in all the publicity and notoriety. “[But] they all have a similarity in that betrayal of the organization is a death sentence. You have allegiance to the club first, and then your family comes after that. It’s club before family, club before self. And the suspicion of being an informant is dangerous and unfortunate.”

Loved ones, like Matthew Sondermann, spoke about how Keith Palumbo’s murder impacted him over the years. (Oxygen)

“These two people knew each other, had a longtime relationship,” Zapor continued. “But if you’re suspected of being a police informant, the only outcome is death. It’s a death sentence if they can get to you.”

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A relative of Palumbo’s has said that he was not a Warlocks member.

According to the episode, cooperating witnesses ultimately helped police piece together what happened to Palumbo and Rossillo Jr. The information, combined with physical evidence recovered at the scene and cellphone data, allowed investigators to build a case against DeLuca and others.

A witness told police that DeLuca said he killed Palumbo and needed help disposing of the body, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported.

On April 3, 2020, investigators located a crypt and discovered the body of 36-year-old Keith Palumbo, a musician from Delaware County. (Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office)

“They were all afraid of [DeLuca],” said McMullin. “But I also think that when push came to shove, they didn’t want to lie and possibly risk taking a prosecution to protect him. I just think there’s no honor among thieves. Loyalty is something made very clear that’s expected. But I also think that people are also out for themselves, especially people who are committing a lot of crimes, heinous crimes at that.”

In September 2020, DeLuca and Michael DiMauro, another member of the Warlocks, were arrested.

In 2023, DiMauro was found guilty of first-degree murder and abuse of a corpse in connection to Rossillo Jr.’s death. Prosecutors said he shot the 33-year-old, tied a rope around his neck and dragged his body to the crypt, which had been pried open, before dumping the remains. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

In “Philly Homicide,” retired detective John Taggart from Philadelphia PD described how the cold case of Keith Palumbo was solved. (Oxygen)

That same year, DeLuca pleaded guilty to third-degree murder in Palumbo’s death, FOX 29 Philadelphia reported. Three others also pleaded guilty to helping to dispose of the victims’ bodies, the outlet shared. DeLuca was later sentenced to 15 to 35 years in prison.

“This case stayed with me,” said McMullin. “There’s the relationship between the killer and the victim. Although sadly, more people are killed by people they know than people they don’t know. And outlaw biker gangs are notoriously violent. Michael DeLuca, in my opinion, did an evil act.”

The California Republican Party’s chairperson, along with other conservative figures on social media, is urging Larry Lang, the vice mayor of Los Altos, California, to step down. This comes after Lang repeatedly posted “86 47” on social media, notably responding with it to a post by the state Republican Party on Facebook.

Though Lang has since deleted these posts, screenshots shared by the California Republican Party and examined by Fox News Digital reveal that Lang had changed his Facebook cover image to a “86 47” seashell arrangement. This same imagery was linked to the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey in federal court last month for making threats against the president.

Additionally, Lang commented “86 47” on a California Republican Party Facebook post earlier in the week. The post included a news clip featuring California GOP Chairperson Corrin Rankin, who discussed a recent debate among the state’s gubernatorial candidates. Rankin criticized Democrats for lacking solutions and suggested Californians are eager for change after 16 years under Democratic leadership.

Rankin condemned the post as a death threat against Donald Trump, labeling it unacceptable. She questioned whether Lang was ignorant of current events or actively contributing to political violence. In a post on X, she demanded Lang’s resignation, asserting that Los Altos deserves leaders who foster unity and prioritize solutions.

The California GOP echoed Rankin’s sentiments, urging Democrats to cease advocating violence against Donald Trump and Republicans.

When reached for comment about the “86 47” posts, Lang’s email address returned an automatic response indicating he was “traveling” until May 4. His Facebook “cover photo” indicated it had been changed Friday.

Lang is the vice mayor of the Los Altos City Council and also sits on over half-a-dozen regional boards of directors. Fox News Digital also reached out to city council members in Los Altos for comment, but did not receive a response in time for publication.

“He needs to resign as vice mayor!” conservative social media account Libs of TikTok said after uncovering the posts.
Nick Poche, spokesperson with the Republican National Committee, added that Democrats “must immediately dial back their unhinged rhetoric” or risk encouraging “deranged” supporters who might wish to kill the president, such as the suspect from the recent White House Correspondents Dinner shooting that was stymied by the Secret Service.  

“We suggest he resign to check into a mental hospital,” Poche said of Lang. 

Former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director James Comey was indicted for a second time by the Justice Department last month, which stemmed from a May 2025 Instagram photo of an “86 47” shell formation on a beach — the same shell formation that appeared in Lang’s Facebook “cover photo” until it was deleted.

In slang, often used in certain industries and in various cultures, “86” typically means to get rid of something. Meanwhile, Donald Trump is currently the 47th President of the United States.

Comey removed the post the same day it was uploaded, claiming he had misinterpreted the shells as a general political message.

The former FBI director is facing charges of making threats to harm the president and transmitting a threat in interstate commerce. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison, according to the Justice Department.

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