Todd Blanche says case against Comey based on more than just Instagram post
Acting US attorney general Todd Blanche defended new criminal charges against former FBI director James Comey, asserting the case extends beyond a controversial Instagram post. The indictment, centered on a beach photo arranging seashells to say '86 47,' has drawn skepticism from legal experts and lawmakers. Blanche claimed additional evidence exists but declined to disclose details ahead of a public trial.
- ▪The Department of Justice filed a two-count felony indictment against James Comey related to an Instagram post showing seashells arranged as '86 47'.
- ▪Comey deleted the post, apologized, and stated he was unaware of the phrase's alleged threatening connotation, denying any intent to incite violence.
- ▪Legal experts and Republican Senator Thom Tillis expressed skepticism, questioning whether the case relies solely on the image without further evidence.
- ▪Acting US attorney W Ellis Boyle, who lacks prior prosecutorial experience, is leading the case in the eastern district of North Carolina.
- ▪Adam Schiff, a Democratic senator, called the case weak and predicted it would be dismissed before or during trial.
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Acting US attorney general Todd Blanche announces a second indictment against ex-FBI director James Comey, on 28 April. Photograph: Nathan Howard/ReutersView image in fullscreenActing US attorney general Todd Blanche announces a second indictment against ex-FBI director James Comey, on 28 April. Photograph: Nathan Howard/ReutersJames ComeyTodd Blanche says case against Comey based on more than just Instagram postFormer FBI director indicted in connection with seashell photo as some Trump allies skeptical of news chargesSam Levine in New YorkSun 3 May 2026 11.57 EDTFirst published on Sun 3 May 2026 11.50 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleThe acting US attorney general, Todd Blanche, on Sunday defended new criminal charges filed against former FBI head James Comey, insisting that the…
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