DOJ defends prosecution of James Comey over '8647' seashell post

Comey was indicted in April by a North Carolina grand jury on charges of making and transmitting a threat against the US president via social media. The post, made while Comey was on vacation, quickly drew criticism from Trump's allies. Comey subsequently deleted the image, stating he had not realized it could be construed as a violent threat and that he opposes violence.

In filings, Comey's lawyers have requested the case be dismissed, contending that the post constitutes protected speech and does not amount to a 'true threat.' They argue that '86' means 'get rid of' or 'eject' and lacks violent connotations, and that no reasonable observer would interpret the phrase '86 47' as a threat of violence. The defense has also alleged that the indictment is a result of 'vindictive and selective prosecution' stemming from Trump's long-standing animosity towards Comey, particularly concerning Comey's handling of the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.