Director of National Intelligence demands jail time for James Comey over deleted Trump "86 47" seashell post

Former FBI Director James Comey found himself at the center of a high-profile controversy that reached the highest levels of national security.

A Beach Walk Creates National Security Incident

What started as a seemingly innocent Instagram post of seashells arranged on a beach has escalated into a serious investigation involving multiple federal agencies.

On Thursday, Comey posted an image showing seashells arranged to spell out "86 47" – a combination that immediately triggered alarm bells throughout Washington.

The number 86 is commonly understood in certain contexts to mean getting rid of something, while 47 corresponds to Donald Trump's position as the 47th President of the United States.

The post was quickly deleted, but not before it was captured, shared widely, and interpreted by many as a potential threat against the President.

Trump Administration Officials Respond Swiftly

The reaction from Trump administration officials was immediate and forceful.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that both DHS and the Secret Service had launched an investigation into what she characterized as a threat against the President.

"Disgraced former FBI Director James Comey just called for the assassination of @POTUSTrump," Noem wrote on social media. "DHS and Secret Service is investigating this threat and will respond appropriately."

Current FBI Director Kash Patel also weighed in, confirming awareness of the post and pledging full support to the Secret Service investigation.

Donald Trump Jr. expressed outrage on social media, writing: "Just James Comey causally calling for my dad to be murdered. This is who the Dem-Media worships. Demented!!!!"

Secret Service Takes Action

The Secret Service confirmed they were aware of the social media posts but declined to comment further on specific protective intelligence matters.

A spokesperson stated: "The Secret Service vigorously investigates anything that can be taken as a potential threat against our protectees. We take this responsibility very seriously and we are aware of the social media posts in question."

This incident comes at a particularly sensitive time, following previous attempts on President Trump's life during his campaign.

Comey's Defense Falls Flat with Intelligence Chief

After removing the post, Comey attempted to explain his actions with a follow-up statement on Instagram.

"I posted earlier a picture of some shells I saw today on a beach walk, which I assumed were a political message," Comey wrote.

"I didn't realize some folks associate those numbers with violence. It never occurred to me but I oppose violence of any kind so I took the post down," he continued.

However, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard wasn't buying this explanation.

Intelligence Director's Unprecedented Call for Incarceration

In a stunning escalation, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard appeared on Fox News Thursday evening with a dramatic call for Comey's imprisonment.

Gabbard forcefully rejected Comey's claim of ignorance about how the numbers could be interpreted, pointing to his extensive experience as a former FBI Director.

"I'm very concerned for his life," Gabbard said on Fox News, referring to President Trump. "And James Comey in my view should be held accountable and put behind bars for this."

This represents an extraordinary moment where a sitting Director of National Intelligence is publicly calling for the incarceration of a former FBI Director.

While Gabbard does not have the authority to bring charges or make arrests in domestic cases, her statement signals the gravity with which the administration is treating this incident.

The controversy adds another chapter to the contentious relationship between Comey and Trump, which began when Trump fired Comey in May 2017, just months into his first administration.

As federal agencies continue their investigation, this incident highlights the heightened tensions and security concerns surrounding threats – perceived or real – against the President in today's polarized political climate.