James Comey’s attorneys ask for seashell threats case to be dismissed

(CNN, KYMA) - Former FBI Director James Comey is taking another legal swing at having the seashell threats case against him dismissed before it heads to trial in October.

In a Monday court filing, former FBI Director Comey's attorneys told a federal judge there was no actual threat against President Donald Trump in a 2025 social media post.

It was this image of seashells that spell out "86 47," with Comey's caption reading, "Cool shell formation on my beach walk."

"86" is often a reference to getting rid of something, and Trump is the nation's 47th president.

Trump allies claimed the post was a threat and the secret service launched an investigation.

Comey's defense cited First Amendment rights, and said the indictment attacks "core political speech" and thus must be dismissed.

His attorneys argued the post would have to detail a "serious expression" that Comey meant violence in order to stand as a true threat.

The indictment against Comey was brought in April in North Carolina. The charges include making a threat against the president and transmitting a threat in interstate commerce.