Comey’s Beach Post and Free Speech | Annapolis News

Former FBI Director James Comey is fighting to have his indictment dismissed after posting a beach photo with seashells spelling “eighty-six forty-seven” — a phrase his lawyers argue is protected political speech, not a criminal threat. They claim the phrase, commonly used to mean “get rid of,” has appeared on protest signs and apparel without legal consequences, and that prosecuting him would punish free speech. Comey even deleted the post after realizing some saw it as violent and cooperated with authorities. His defense insists the post doesn’t meet the legal standard for a “true threat,” and seeks to have the charges thrown out entirely — raising a major question about where political expression ends and criminal speech begins. 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/95829ad0faa5d6eb