Comey was charged over a May 2025 photo showing seashells arranged to read “86 47.” Prosecutors contend that “86” can mean murder and that “47” referred to Trump, the nation’s 47th president. Comey removed the post and apologized but has denied intending violence, calling the case retaliation for his years of public criticism of Trump. As part of the investigation, agents interviewed Salvatore “Sammy the Bull” Gravano, the former Gambino crime family member who became a government witness. Comey’s lawyers also submitted an affidavit from former federal judge and mob prosecutor John Gleeson, who rejected the government’s interpretation.