First Thing: Justice department indicts ex-FBI director James Comey over seashells Instagram post
The Justice Department has indicted former FBI director James Comey on two felony charges related to an Instagram post featuring seashells arranged to spell '86 47,' which was interpreted as a threat against President Donald Trump. Comey claims he was unaware of the numbers' alleged violent connotation and deleted the post, asserting his innocence and criticizing the politicization of the Justice Department. Meanwhile, King Charles delivered a speech to Congress emphasizing NATO, Ukraine's defense, and climate action, while Disneyland has introduced facial recognition technology to streamline park entry.
- ▪James Comey was charged with making a threat against the president and transmitting it across state lines via social media.
- ▪The charges stem from an Instagram photo of seashells spelling '86 47,' which some interpreted as a call to remove President Trump.
- ▪Comey stated he did not intend any violent message and deleted the post upon realizing the potential misinterpretation.
- ▪King Charles gave a speech to Congress promoting NATO, Ukraine's defense, and climate action during a visit marking the US 250th anniversary.
- ▪Disneyland has implemented facial recognition technology at certain park entrances to improve re-entry and reduce fraud.
11 outlets in our directory ran this story, first to last over 16 hours. Coverage spans 3 points on the political spectrum — 1 lean left, 8 centre, 1 lean right.
- ▪ Former FBI chief Comey indicted again, this time over anti-Trump online post — France 24 - International breaking news, top stories and headlines
- ▪ Former FBI director and Trump foe James Comey indicted again — Straits Times — World
- ▪ Former FBI director James Comey indicted for second time — Le Monde.fr - Actualités et Infos en France et dans le monde
- ▪ DOJ indicts former FBI Director James Comey for second time — Cbsnews
- ▪ James Comey indicted for second time by Justice Department — Politics
- ▪ Ex-FBI Director James Comey indicted for his ‘8647’ seashell post on Instagram — CNBC
- ▪ Ex-FBI director James Comey indicted again, this time over anti-Trump post — South China Morning Post
- ▪ James Comey indicted by Justice Department for second time — Axios
- ▪ James Comey indicted again in new Justice Department probe — Fox News
- ▪ James Comey Indicted Again by Trump's DOJ: Report — Newsweek
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| Canonical URL | https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/apr/29/first-thing-justice-department-indicts-ex-fbi-director-james-comey-over-seashells-instagram-post |
| Publication time | Wed, 29 Apr 2026 10:01:48 GMT |
| Retrieval time | 2026-04-29T10:16:54.510Z |
| Last seen | 2026-04-29T10:16:54.510Z |
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| Cluster | rl7gkiWaCjwG · 11 stories |
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Comey surrounded by reporters after testifying at a hearing on Capitol Hill in 2018. Photograph: Chip Somodevilla/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenComey surrounded by reporters after testifying at a hearing on Capitol Hill in 2018. Photograph: Chip Somodevilla/Getty ImagesFirst Thing newsletterUS newsFirst Thing: Justice department indicts ex-FBI director James Comey over Instagram seashells postComey, one of Donald Trump’s political enemies, charged with two felonies. Plus, Disneyland introduces facial recognitionClea SkopelitiWed 29 Apr 2026 06.01 EDTLast modified on Wed 29 Apr 2026 06.55 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleGood morning.The justice department filed new criminal charges against James Comey, the former FBI director, on Tuesday.In what appears to be the latest instance…
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