CA, US & World
Former FBI Director James Comey Indicted Over ‘86 47’ Seashell Instagram Post
Former FBI Director James Comey was indicted Tuesday in the Eastern District of North Carolina over a social media post that federal officials claim constituted a threat against President Donald Trump. An arrest warrant has been issued for Comey, who now faces charges of making a threat against the president and transmitting a threat in interstate commerce.
The indictment centers on an Instagram photograph Comey posted last May showing seashells arranged to read "86 47." In the caption, Comey wrote, "Cool shell formation on my beach walk." Prosecutors argue that "86" is slang for eliminating or killing something, while "47" refers to Trump’s status as the 47th president. The government alleges the arrangement was a serious expression of intent to do harm.
The charges carry a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche defended the case during a Tuesday press conference, stating that the Department takes all threats against individuals seriously. Blanche noted that the indictment was returned by a grand jury and that the case will proceed like hundreds of others handled by the Justice Department annually.
Legal and security experts have raised questions about the viability of the case, noting the high threshold for "true threats" under the First Amendment. Comey previously removed the post, claiming he viewed the shells as a political message and did not realize the numeric sequence was associated with violence. This marks the second attempt by the current administration to prosecute Comey; a previous case involving press leaks was dismissed last year.
The indictment comes as the Justice Department ramps up investigations into other political figures, including former CIA Director John Brennan and Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. Meanwhile, a federal judge recently allowed a retaliatory firing lawsuit brought by Comey’s daughter, Maurene Comey, to proceed against the Justice Department.
Explore NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the valley.
By: CNN Newsource
April 28, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
A highly anticipated hearing in the People vs. William Rodriguez case was postponed for a second time today after the prosecution used a legal move to request a new judge for the hearing. Today a judge was expected to rule whether or not to dismiss Rodriguez’s murder charge after he struck and killed 60 year old Christina Barrington in Cathedral City. Tune in to our 5,6 and 11 p.m newscasts as our @newsbyalondra has all the latest details.
🎭 Kevin Mann is back with “Mann on the Aisle,” reviewing Cat on a Hot Tin Roof at The Bent Theatre! 🐈🔥 How does this classic Tennessee Williams drama hold up on the local stage? Kevin shares his take on the performances, the production and what audiences can expect. Watch the latest review from NBC Palm Springs! #NBCPalmSprings #MannOnTheAisle #CatOnAHotTinRoof #TheaterReview #CoachellaValley #LocalTheater
🚧 Tropical Storm Rachel left its mark on Highway 111. Caltrans crews are working on a $4.2 million emergency repair project near North Shore after flooding and washouts damaged the roadway along the Salton Sea. Repairs are underway weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. between Crooker Drive and Vanderveer Road. There’s no word yet on when the work will be complete. #SaltonSea #Highway111 #TropicalStormRachel #Caltrans #CoachellaValley
☕️ Social Time: dressing up for Halloween this year? If so, what’s your costume?
More than 1,000 runners and walkers took on the “World’s Toughest 6K” at the 39th annual Palm Springs Aerial Tram Road Challenge! 🏃♀️🏃♂️ Cathedral City’s Amelio Chio claimed the overall win in 28:08, while Jade Belzberg took first place in the women’s division with a time of 30:42. Local athletes from across the Coachella Valley also made their mark on the challenging course! #PalmSprings #TramRoadChallenge #CoachellaValley #Running #RoadRace NBCPalmSprings
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) Damian Walls extending the play for the TD, 2) Aiden Pope with the 100 yard pick-six, 3) Adam Tremper breaking tackles for the TD, 4) Trey Boulton snagging the contested catch, or 5) Devin Session with the TD throw on the run #hondaofthedesert #fnl #fridaynightlights #fyp #highschoolfootball
We’re in Palm Desert this morning as demonstrators gather for the No Kings rally, joining a nationwide day of protests and calls for political accountability. We’re talking with people at the rally about why they’re here and what they hope their voices will accomplish. Events are taking place across the country, with organizers also encouraging voter participation ahead of the election. Follow NBC Palm Springs for more voices and scenes from today’s rally. #NBCPalmSprings #PalmDesert #NoKings #CoachellaValley #Protest CommunityVoices
We’re in Cathedral City this morning for the No Kings: Vote Early event, joining communities across the country focused on getting voters to the polls. We’re talking with people here about why they came out and what motivated them to participate. Nearly 3,000 events are taking place nationwide to encourage early voting and civic engagement. Stay with NBC Palm Springs for local voices and perspectives from today’s event. #NBCPalmSprings #CathedralCity #NoKings #VoteEarly #CoachellaValley CommunityVoices
“NO KINGS: VOTE EARLY”: Residents gathered at Palm Springs City Hall for the “No Kings: Vote Early” event, sharing what brought them out and why making their voices heard matters. #NoKings #PalmSprings #CoachellaValley #VoteEarly #civicengagement
Meet Gavin, aka “Banana Boy”! The Coachella Valley Firebirds fan favorite stopped by Very Caliente to share how his love of Fortnite inspired his iconic Peely costume — and his signature dance to “Peanut Butter Jelly Time” on the jumbotron. And yes, we finally got to see the face behind the banana! #NBCPalmSprings #VeryCaliente #CVFirebirds #BananaBoy #CoachellaValley