Former FBI Director James Comey surrenders over alleged threat against Trump

WorldPolitics
30 Apr 2026 • 1:48 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Former FBI Director James Comey surrenders over alleged threat against Trump

  • James Comey, a director of the FBI, turned himself in on Wednesday in the Eastern District of Virginia to face prosecution.
  • He was indicted on two felony counts related to a social media post from last year featuring seashells arranged to spell "86 47."
  • The phrase "86 47" is interpreted as a threat against President Trump, who is the 47th president, with "86" meaning to "nix" or "get rid of."
  • This marks the second time the administration has filed charges against Comey; the first case, alleging he lied to Congress, was dismissed last year.
  • Comey responded to the new charges by stating he is "still innocent," "not afraid," and believes in the "independent federal judiciary."

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