Comey Challenges Seashell Threat Charges | Austin News

Former FBI Director James Comey is fighting to have federal charges against him thrown out, arguing his Instagram post of seashells spelling “eighty-six forty-seven” was protected political speech, not a threat. His lawyers say the government can’t prove he intended violence and that prosecuting him is an effort to silence a critic. This isn’t his first legal battle — a prior lying-to-congress charge was dismissed over prosecutorial misconduct. Critics see a pattern targeting figures disliked by Trump, especially those linked to the early Russia probe. Comey claims he didn’t realize the numbers could imply violence and removed the post, stressing his opposition to any violence. Prosecutors must prove he “knowingly and willfully” threatened, but defense argues intent isn’t shown — a reasonable person would see it as hyperbolic, not a direct threat. The acting AG insists intent is proven through evidence, but the specifics of Comey’s intent remain contested as the case unfolds. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/c97845942853b0c3