A photo posted online by former FBI Director James Comey has reignited political debate, just months into Donald Trump’s second term as the 47th President of the United States. Comey shared an image on social media showing the number “8647” spelled out in seashells on a beach.
While he said it was a simple photo with no hidden message, some claimed the numbers could be read as a threat.
Comey denied the claim, saying the interpretation never crossed his mind. Nonetheless, the numbers quickly caught attention online because of their possible symbolic meaning.
The number “86” has a long history in American slang. It usually meant to cancel, reject, or get rid of something. Restaurant workers often used it when something was out of stock or a customer was no longer welcome. In military slang, “86” can mean to call off a mission.
“Aw shucks…I never imagined 86 and 47 had any kind of meaning. Who, me? Never!”
Gaslight Hall of Famer, this guy. pic.twitter.com/Bj5kpEPQGy
— Chris Stigall (@ChrisStigall) May 15, 2025
Though rare, some interpretations link “86” to more serious ideas. Merriam-Webster notes that it occasionally means “to kill,” but does not support that meaning because it is not widely used.
With Trump now serving as the 47th U.S. president, some critics of Comey interpreted “8647” as a coded message, implying harm or removal. While there is no evidence that Comey intended such a message, the pairing of “86” and “47” quickly sparked debate.
Comey truly is a POS. While he’ll claim not to know what 8647 means, there’s no doubt that the former disgraced FBI Dir. knows exactly what he’s doing, with a plea to bad actors/terrorists to assassinate the POTUS’ while traveling internationally. Don’t let him get away with it!! pic.twitter.com/gM4GmN6OUB
— Dan Scavino Jr.
(@DanScavino) May 15, 2025
Some commentators say the reaction reflects growing tensions in U.S. political culture. Others believe Trump allies are using the photo to score political points.
The origin of “86” isn’t entirely clear. One theory traces it to Chumley’s, a speakeasy located at 86 Barrow Street in New York during Prohibition.
Author Jef Klein offered another explanation. In his book on New York bars, he wrote that police used to call ahead before raids, instructing bartenders to “86” their customers—send them out the back door—while officers came through the front.
Other theories come from lunch counters, where “86” meant an item was no longer available. A 1933 newspaper column even listed it as part of soda fountain slang. Some say the term may have roots in the US Navy, where the supply code “AT-6” marked items for disposal.
A 1944 book about actor John Barrymore described him as an “eighty-six,” meaning he wasn’t to be served at a bar. Newsweek has also linked the term to mob slang, taking someone “eight miles out and six feet under.” That interpretation appears in Cassell’s Dictionary of Slang and is likely tied to grave dimensions.
The number “86” has shown up in politics before. Some Republicans have used it in anti-Biden messaging, printing “8646” on shirts to signal a desire to remove the 46th president from office.
MAGA Logic:
8646 = Impeach Biden
8647 = kill Trump pic.twitter.com/TlZuaGUlLM
— Agent Self FBI (@RetroAgent12) May 16, 2025
Though not the first to use such numbers, Comey’s post drew attention because of his history with Trump and the current political climate. Still, he insists the image was just a beach moment.
While Comey’s photo may have been innocent, it shows how simple symbols can take on complex meanings in today’s divided political world, especially with Trump back in the White House.
