# Comey Indictment for Seashell Post -- Anything to Worry About? **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [April 28, 2026, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comey-indictment-for-seashell-post-anything-to-worry-about/1029631 "2026-04-28T23:05:05Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2026, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comey-indictment-for-seashell-post-anything-to-worry-about/1029631/21 "2026-04-29T16:26:05Z")
Anything to worry about? Yes, the sorry state of our Justice Dept. This is such a gobstoppingly stupid meritless indictment. Clearly only meant to attack and harass. Where was the trump indictment when, as a candidate, he posted a video of a pickup truck with a photrealistic image of a hog-tied Biden on the tailgate? The hypocrisy is just jaw-dropping. > **[Trump accused of inciting violence with image of hog-tied Biden](https://www.afr.com/world/north-america/trump-accused-of-inciting-violence-with-image-of-hog-tied-biden-20240401-p5fgff)** > > “If I don’t get elected, it’s going to be a bloodbath,” Donald Trump said before posting the video featuring his rival, US President Joe Biden. Oh but, Comey posts an image of seashells spelling out 8647 – oh, dear me, how _ **threatening** _ 🙀 ETA: that link may be paywalled, so here’s a direct link to a clip from the video that candidate trump posted: [![](https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_0.379%2C$multiply_3%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_54%2C$y_0/t_crop_custom/c_scale%2Cw_620%2Cq_88%2Cf_auto/6d3ee32f783bd4918ebf6112129ab8e70f0dc973) ](https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_0.379%2C$multiply_3%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_54%2C$y_0/t_crop_custom/c_scale%2Cw_620%2Cq_88%2Cf_auto/6d3ee32f783bd4918ebf6112129ab8e70f0dc973) ---
**Author:** ![Snarky\_Kong](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a183cd/32.png) [@Snarky\_Kong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snarky_Kong)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2026, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comey-indictment-for-seashell-post-anything-to-worry-about/1029631/22 "2026-04-29T16:33:03Z")
The idea that it’s a threat to the president is a complete fabrication to rationalize crushing free speech and frighten potential adversaries into silence. Every attorney involved in this should be disbarred. ---
**Author:** ![Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/son_of_a_rich/32/5439_2.png) [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2026, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comey-indictment-for-seashell-post-anything-to-worry-about/1029631/23 "2026-04-29T17:21:37Z")
Blanche said there had been an ongoing investigation. What is there to investigate? Seriously! Did they consult a marine biologist to ID the shells? ---
**Author:** ![CoolHandCox](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/coolhandcox/32/16233_2.png) [@CoolHandCox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CoolHandCox)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2026, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comey-indictment-for-seashell-post-anything-to-worry-about/1029631/24 "2026-04-29T18:02:20Z")
> [@bordelond](#): > > Is the case so frivolous that Comey can simply serve as his own counsel and essentially take for granted that he’ll be found “not guilty”? Comey doesn’t exactly need a team of murder-case lawyers here, does he? It’s more of a political, than a legal, problem. So you want a team of high clout lawyers. On another note, seashells huh. That’s a threat…really. It’s cute, right. I’m wondering what is the level of “cuteness” that can be used to convey a threat to kill the President to be charged for a crime. Like, a bunch of puppies arranged to form 86 47. Kittens playing with balls of yarn. I wish the internet would just be flooded with this stuff right now. It’s a shame DOJ is debasing itself in this way. But to equate the charge to any kind of real legal jeopardy for Comey is just not a thing I can envision. I mentioned the on one of the previous indictments, the problem, even with these “charges”, is when they get to people who cannot afford to pay for clout/good lawyers. Even with junk charges, without proper fighting, you can get steamrolled. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2026, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comey-indictment-for-seashell-post-anything-to-worry-about/1029631/25 "2026-04-29T18:17:11Z")
> [@CoolHandCox](#): > > But to equate the charge to any kind of real legal jeopardy for Comey is just not a thing I can envision. You forget that the judiciary is in the process of being suborned too. Put a crooked prosecution in front of a crooked judge and you get 100% conviction rates. Just like in e.g. Russia. ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2026, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comey-indictment-for-seashell-post-anything-to-worry-about/1029631/26 "2026-04-29T18:19:23Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > I’m wondering just what the OP’s “Anything to worry about?” is supposed to mean. > > This is yet another blatant attack by the president using the powers of government to settle old personal scores. _ **Of course** _ that’s something to worry about. In fact it ought to be grounds for near-instant impeachment and removal from office. Nail on the head. Yes, there’s a lot to worry about. Selective and malicious prosecution of anyone is an appalling abuse of power. ---
**Author:** ![PhillyGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ed655f/32.png) [@PhillyGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PhillyGuy)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2026, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comey-indictment-for-seashell-post-anything-to-worry-about/1029631/27 "2026-04-29T18:35:36Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > I’m wondering just what the OP’s “Anything to worry about?” is supposed to mean. My worry is that Comey is convicted, creating a terrible first amendment precedent. Selective prosecution? No need to worry about that. it’s already here. > [@Jeff\_Lichtman](#): > > . . . no jury will convict him. The safety of a president who has been repeatedly targeted for assassination is an extremely emotional issue for Trump voters. And by taking down the post, Comey effectively admitted there was something wrong with it. And the jury pool would come from a Trumpy area. I’m NOT the type who says Trump voters are evil bastards who will always do what Donald wants. But it seems to me that when it comes to interpreting something as a physical threat against their leader, they will defer to the government. So, if it gets that far, hung jury? Maybe, but in a jury room, it is hard to stand up against the majority. > [@Jeff\_Lichtman](#): > > It won’t surprise me if the judge dismisses the case for lack of evidence or probable cause. If the judge was a Democratic appointee, I would expect it. A Bush-appointee judge? There’s still a high chance of dismissal. But any dismissal will be appealed. Comey’s best chance may be for SCOTUS to slow walk its ruling. > [@Jeff\_Lichtman](#): > > The judge could also direct a verdict of not guilty after the prosecution presents the case. That would require incredible physical courage on the part of the judge. > [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > If this case isn’t tossed pretrial, Comey should wave his right to a jury, and rest his case without calling witnesses or presenting evidence. The judge is a GOP political appointee. For most cases, that probably doesn’t matter. But when it comes to an AFAIK typical Republican, standing up to the government when it comes to an alleged presidential safety issue, I don’t see it. If judge Louise Flanagan is no longer much of a Republican, sure, but there is no way to know that. Might the case be dismissed with SCOTUS allowing the dismissal to stand? Sure. Very possible. And it is also very possible the case goes to trial. And it is even more possible that Comey makes a deal to avoid prison, just like the great majority of other federal defendants. Comey has disappointed progressives before. What’s confusing me is why all of a sudden there is trust in the restraint and wisdom of James Comey, and of voters and judges in a place like New Bern NC. I think they face a moral test the outcome of which none here can predict. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2026, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comey-indictment-for-seashell-post-anything-to-worry-about/1029631/28 "2026-04-29T18:39:50Z")
> [@Aspenglow](#): > > Yes, there’s a lot to worry about. Selective and malicious prosecution of anyone is an appalling abuse of power. ICE is taking notes. Or is it the other way around? In a just world (HAHAHAH) impeachment should just take an hour or two. Then they can go out for lunch. ---
**Author:** ![Snarky\_Kong](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a183cd/32.png) [@Snarky\_Kong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snarky_Kong)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2026, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comey-indictment-for-seashell-post-anything-to-worry-about/1029631/29 "2026-04-29T18:44:36Z")
> [@PhillyGuy](#): > > ters. And by taking down the post, Comey effectively admitted there was something wrong with it. No he didn’t. > [@PhillyGuy](#): > > And the jury pool would come from a Trumpy area. This is never making it in front of a jury. ---
**Author:** ![CoolHandCox](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/coolhandcox/32/16233_2.png) [@CoolHandCox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CoolHandCox)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2026, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comey-indictment-for-seashell-post-anything-to-worry-about/1029631/30 "2026-04-29T18:45:20Z")
> [@PhillyGuy](#): > > I’m wondering about the fact that Comey quickly took down his photo post. On the one hand, it shows him acting responsibly. But isn’t it also an admission that Comey knows he crossed the line? It’s not an admission that he crossed a line. After posting, Comey admitted that he did not think there was anything wrong/bad with seashells forming 86 47, but that after posting, he later came to understand some people might view it differently. So he took the post down. With that, the indictment is likely factually and legally fatally flawed. Factually no threat because Comey would have needed to appreciate forming seashells into 86 47 was a threat. He did not. Legally, the indictment says the standard to determine whether forming seashells into 86 47 is a threat or not is determined by a “reasonable recipient” of the Instagram post. That is a legally incorrect (objective) standard in this instance; it should be a subjective standard, one that Comey would have had to understand as a threat when he posted. Which he immediately admitted he did not have that understanding. Late: Having said that, this is a reason lawyer’s tell people not to talk. If Comey says nothing, then there’s nothing. I supposed it’s hard to know when to do that when the crime is made up. ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2026, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comey-indictment-for-seashell-post-anything-to-worry-about/1029631/31 "2026-04-29T18:48:42Z")
> [@CoolHandCox](#): > > But to equate the charge to any kind of real legal jeopardy for Comey is just not a thing I can envision. I would say the same of an indictment. I’m not a Comey fan, but this banana republic shit is disgraceful to what was once a better country. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2026, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comey-indictment-for-seashell-post-anything-to-worry-about/1029631/32 "2026-04-29T18:53:52Z")
> [@bobot](#): > > I’m not a Comey fan, but this banana republic shit is disgraceful to what was once a better country. It was better just 2 years ago. ---
**Author:** ![CoolHandCox](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/coolhandcox/32/16233_2.png) [@CoolHandCox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CoolHandCox)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2026, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comey-indictment-for-seashell-post-anything-to-worry-about/1029631/33 "2026-04-29T18:58:27Z")
> [@bobot](#): > > I would say the same of an indictment. I’m not a Comey fan, but this banana republic shit is disgraceful to what was once a better country. Same. When has it gone too far at DOJ where it can’t be undone and go back to normal with proper leadership. The DOJ lesson is if don’t go after Trump’s enemies you’re fired. If you want to keep your job/Trump’s good graces, bring any kind of made up charge. The types of DOJ lawyers, which used to be a tiny handful that would do that, are becoming much more the norm with every passing month. Filter out good ethical lawyers, replace with garbage. Fortunately, the Judges don’t filter that fast. ---
**Author:** ![DesertDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/desertdog/32/11503_2.png) [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2026, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comey-indictment-for-seashell-post-anything-to-worry-about/1029631/34 "2026-04-29T19:04:57Z")
> [@Wesley\_Clark](#): > > I do find it funny that Comey was so spineless that he handed the election to Trump in 2016, and this is his reward. But are you really surprised? Trump uses people like tissues, discarding them when they are of no longer use. > [@CoolHandCox](#): > > Like, a bunch of puppies arranged to form 86 47. Kittens playing with balls of yarn. I wish the internet would just be flooded with this stuff right now. How about photos of addresses at 8647 this or that street. ---
**Author:** ![CoolHandCox](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/coolhandcox/32/16233_2.png) [@CoolHandCox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CoolHandCox)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2026, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comey-indictment-for-seashell-post-anything-to-worry-about/1029631/35 "2026-04-29T20:01:06Z")
> [@DesertDog](#): > > How about photos of addresses at 8647 this or that street. That’s good. 8647 Dedman Street is apparently not far from me. God forbid a phone number ends in 8647. Actively typing out a Presidential “threat” across State lines every time you call. Get ready 86 48, you’re next… ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2026, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comey-indictment-for-seashell-post-anything-to-worry-about/1029631/36 "2026-04-30T00:50:45Z")
Shame on the grand jury. They always said a grand jury would indict a ham sandwich, but this is a ham sandwich minus the ham and minus the bread. Every single grand juror should hang his head in shame and the whole DOJ needs to be replaced on 1-20-29. ---
**Author:** ![Moriarty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moriarty/32/49_2.png) [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2026, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comey-indictment-for-seashell-post-anything-to-worry-about/1029631/37 "2026-04-30T01:03:31Z")
> [@PhillyGuy](#): > > And here is a likely relevant Supreme Court decision that allows literal threats if just hyperbole: > > [Watts v. United States](https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/394/705/) This bears repeating. In _Watts_, the protester said > [@](#): > > If they ever make me carry a rifle the first man I want to get in my sights is L.B.J And the court said that was political hyperbole. _Even if_ Comey understood “86” to be a reference to executing Trump, he still has the defense that it was just political talk. ---
**Author:** ![PhillyGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ed655f/32.png) [@PhillyGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PhillyGuy)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2026, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comey-indictment-for-seashell-post-anything-to-worry-about/1029631/38 "2026-04-30T01:19:42Z")
> [@Moriarty](#): > > And the court said that was political hyperbole. If I understand correctly, it was an 8 - 1 decision. I expect it would be closer if revisited. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2026, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comey-indictment-for-seashell-post-anything-to-worry-about/1029631/39 "2026-04-30T02:30:40Z")
> [@BlankSlate](#): > > In a just world, all that money would come straight from the siezure and sale of Trump’s properties. Whose properties? Trump doesn’t own any properties. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2026, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comey-indictment-for-seashell-post-anything-to-worry-about/1029631/40 "2026-04-30T02:56:07Z")
The term here is chilling effect. Everyone in the Trump administration, probably even Trump himself in his more lucid moments, knows that there’s zero chance of winning this case. But winning isn’t the point. By filing this case, the Trump administration is forcing Comey to hire a lawyer and spend time and money. The Trump administration, on the other hand, is spending tax payer money, so they don’t care if they’re wasting it. Even after Comey wins, other people will see the problems he went through and decide that they don’t want to face similar harassment. So they’ll start tailoring what they say and do in order not to become a potential target. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comey-indictment-for-seashell-post-anything-to-worry-about/1029631.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comey-indictment-for-seashell-post-anything-to-worry-about/1029631.md?page=3)