Comey Indictment Followed 11-Month Investigation, Prosecutors Say

Key facts

• Former FBI Director James Comey was indicted last week.
• Prosecutors collected evidence for approximately 11 months before the indictment.
• The indictment alleges Comey threatened the life of the president.
• The case is reportedly linked to an Instagram post featuring seashells forming '86 47'.
• President Donald Trump suggested '86' is a mob term for 'kill him'.
• Restaurant workers describe '86' as everyday lingo unrelated to violence.
• Senator Thom Tillis expressed doubt about '86' being an inherently violent term.
• Adam Schiff suggested the indictment is politically motivated.

Prosecutors Detail Lengthy Investigation into Comey

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche asserted on Sunday that the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey is the culmination of an extensive, 11-month investigation. "This is not just about a single Instagram post," Blanche stated during an appearance on NBC News' "Meet the Press." He indicated that prosecutors had amassed a "body of evidence" over the preceding months, the specifics of which he was not at liberty to disclose. However, Blanche assured that a public trial would reveal the full extent of the government's case against Comey. The former FBI director was charged last week with allegedly threatening the president's life following an Instagram post that displayed seashells arranged to form the numbers "86 47." The context of this post has become a focal point of the controversy surrounding the indictment. When questioned about the perceived threat, President Donald Trump responded with a degree of ambiguity, stating, "Probably." He further elaborated by suggesting that "86" is a "mob term for kill him," linking the number to a violent intent.

Ambiguity Surrounds '86' and Its Meaning

The interpretation of the number "86" within the context of Comey's Instagram post has drawn significant scrutiny and skepticism. Restaurant industry workers have countered the prosecution's assertion, describing "86" as common vernacular used to signify removing or getting rid of something, with no inherent connection to death or murder. This view was echoed by Senator Thom Tillis, who expressed bewilderment at the case's foundation. "If this whole case is based on a picture in the sand of a North Carolina beach, it again makes no sense to me," Tillis commented on CNN, adding that he found no evidence supporting "86" as a call for violence, apart from commentary that emerged after the president's remarks. Blanche, however, maintained that the Justice Department possesses "evidence of all sorts" against Comey, suggesting the indictment extends beyond the numerical sequence "86 47," which he noted appears frequently on social media and online marketplaces.

Political Motivations Alleged

The prosecution's case has faced sharp criticism from political opponents, who question the legitimacy of the charges. Adam Schiff, a Democratic representative from California, directly challenged Blanche's defense of the indictment. Schiff pointed to the widespread availability of "86 47" merchandise online, arguing that this commonality makes the case indistinguishable from ordinary consumer behavior. Schiff contended that the primary distinguishing factor is not the evidence itself, which he described as publicly visible, but rather Comey's status as a political opponent of the president. He alluded to the president's alleged calls for Comey's prosecution and suggested that Blanche's pursuit of the case might be influenced by a desire to retain his position. Blanche, in his defense, highlighted the ongoing threats directed at President Trump. "There are constantly men and women who choose to make threatening statements against President Trump," he said on "Meet the Press." He emphasized that not all such statements lead to indictments, underscoring the necessity of thorough investigations and the prosecution of numerous individuals for making threats this year.

Broader Context of Threats Against the President

The indictment of James Comey arrives amidst a backdrop of numerous threats made against President Donald Trump. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche noted that his department has charged "dozens and dozens of men and women this year" with making threatening statements against the president and others. Blanche stressed that each threat does not automatically result in legal action. He explained that investigations involve careful consideration of facts and circumstances before charges are brought. This process, he argued, differentiates legitimate threats that warrant prosecution from mere expressions. The Justice Department's stance suggests a commitment to addressing threats against public officials, while simultaneously navigating the complexities of free speech and political discourse. The Comey case, in this context, is presented as one instance within a larger pattern of enforcement.

Uncertainty Over Future Proceedings

The specifics of the evidence beyond the Instagram post remain undisclosed, creating an atmosphere of anticipation and speculation regarding the upcoming trial. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has indicated that the full scope of the government's case will be revealed in open court, promising transparency. However, critics like Adam Schiff have voiced concerns that the indictment may be politically motivated, suggesting that Comey's status as a political adversary of President Trump is the driving force behind the charges. This perspective casts doubt on the impartiality of the legal proceedings. The legal battle ahead is expected to be closely watched, not only for its implications for James Comey but also for its potential to set precedents regarding the interpretation of threats and the influence of political dynamics on the justice system.

The bottom line

• Prosecutors claim the indictment of James Comey stems from an 11-month investigation and a broad range of evidence, not solely an Instagram post.
• The case hinges on an Instagram photo of seashells forming '86 47', with prosecutors alleging it constitutes a threat to President Trump.
• The term '86' is disputed, with workers calling it everyday lingo and senators questioning its violent connotations.
• Critics, including Adam Schiff, suggest the indictment is politically motivated due to Comey's opposition to President Trump.
• The Justice Department states it has charged numerous individuals with threatening President Trump this year.
• The full evidence against Comey is expected to be revealed during a public trial.