Key facts
- Matthew Petracca has stepped down as the lead prosecutor in the criminal case against James Comey.
- Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Severo will replace Petracca.
- James Comey faces federal charges for an Instagram post with seashells arranged to read '86 47'.
- Prosecutors allege the post was a serious expression of intent to harm President Donald Trump.
- Comey denies any threatening intent, viewing the post as a political statement.
The case against James Comey involves an Instagram post featuring seashells arranged to spell '86 47'. Prosecutors interpret '86' as a mob term for assassination and '47' as referring to President Donald Trump, the 47th president, alleging a threat. Comey maintains the post was a political statement and not a threat. The change in prosecution occurs as the case heads towards an October trial.