Prosecutor replaced in James Comey seashell threat case, trial delayed to October
6 verified2 unconfirmed
James Comey, former FBI director, faces federal charges for an Instagram post showing seashells arranged to read “86 47,” which prosecutors allege was a threat against President Donald Trump. The prosecutor initially assigned to the case has been replaced by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Severo, according to a court filing. The trial has been delayed to October at Comey’s request. Both sources report that the April 2026 grand jury indictment charges Comey with threatening the president and transmitting a threat across state lines. The meaning of “86” is central to the case, with prosecutors arguing it is known as a mob term for assassination, while Comey denies any intent to harm and says the post was a political statement. Current dictionary definitions and linguistic analysis indicate the term most commonly means to discard or eject, with only a minority of usage referring to killing.
What’s verified
James Comey was indicted in April 2026 for an Instagram post of seashells arranged as “86 47,” which prosecutors said was a threat against President Donald Trump.
The charges include making a threat against the president and transmitting a threat across state lines.
The term “86” is a restaurant term meaning to discard or refuse service, but prosecutors claim it is also known in law enforcement as a mob term for killing.
Comey has denied any threatening intent, stating the image was a political statement.
The case is being prosecuted in the Eastern District of North Carolina.
U.S. District Judge Louise Wood Flanagan granted Comey’s request to delay the trial to October.
Not yet confirmed
Source 1 reports that the original prosecutor, Matthew Petracca, was replaced by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Severo, and that Petracca had considered leaving the Justice Department. Source 2 does not mention this change.
Source 1 includes statements from acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, FBI Director Kash Patel, and U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle regarding the case. Source 2 does not include these statements.
Key figures
James Comey (former FBI director, defendant)
Donald Trump (47th president of the United States)
Timothy Severo (Assistant U.S. Attorney, replacement prosecutor)
Matthew Petracca (original prosecutor, now removed from case)
Ellis Boyle (U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina)
Todd Blanche (acting Attorney General)
Kash Patel (FBI Director)
Louise Wood Flanagan (U.S. District Judge)
Sources: foxnews.com, theconversation.com
