'Mob term for kill': Donald Trump says James Comey's '86 47' post fueled danger around him

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump said Wednesday, April 29, that a social media post by former FBI Director James Comey “probably” posed a threat to his life, doubling down on his interpretation of the now-controversial "86 47" message.

The remarks came during an Oval Office exchange with reporters, where Trump was pressed on whether he truly believed the post amounted to a danger.

Trump claims James Comey's message was dangerous

Asked directly if the message endangered him, Trump pointed to the meaning he associates with the number “86.”

“If anybody knows anything about crime, they know 86,” he said. “It’s a mob term for kill them, 86 'em, that means kill 'em.”

He acknowledged that some people interpret the phrase differently, but insisted his understanding comes from how it has been used historically.

“I think of it as a mob term,” Trump added, saying such language carries a clear implication. When asked again whether he believed his life was actually in danger, Trump did not fully commit but didn’t dismiss the idea either. “Probably, I don’t know, based on what I’m seeing out there, yeah,” he said.

He went further, blaming figures like Comey for what he described as a climate of risk around public officials.

“The people like Comey have created tremendous danger, I think, for politicians and others,” Trump said.

Trump also used the moment to renew his long-standing criticism of Comey, calling him a “dirty cop” and accusing him of misconduct during past investigations. 

“He’s a very dirty cop, he cheated on the elections,” Trump claimed.

James Comey indicted for the second time

Comey was indicted over the post, which featured seashells arranged to form “86 47” along with a caption describing it as a beach discovery.

Prosecutors allege the message constituted a threat against the president, while Comey has previously said he did not intend any harm and removed the post after backlash.

James Comey turned himself in to federal authorities on April 29, appearing briefly in court as prosecutors advanced charges tied to his “86 47” seashell post.

James Comey appeared in a Virginia federal court. He faces charges tied to threats across state lines. A judge ordered his release, while his attorney called the case politically motivated.