ALEXANDRIA, United States — James Comey surrendered to federal authorities on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, and made a brief court appearance in the Eastern District of Virginia on charges related to an alleged threat against Donald Trump.
Comey was placed under arrest ahead of the hearing, which lasted less than 10 minutes. He was later released without conditions.
No plea was entered.
According to court documents, Comey is charged with making a threat against the president and transmitting a threat in interstate commerce.
The case was brought in the Eastern District of North Carolina, though his initial appearance took place in Alexandria, Virginia. William E. Fitzpatrick presided over the hearing.
“I don’t see why they’d be necessary this time,” Fitzpatrick said when ruling that no conditions were required for Comey’s release.
Comey entered and exited the courtroom through a side entrance typically used by defendants and did not address the court during the proceeding.
Background to the Case
The charges stem from a social media post Comey made in May, showing shells arranged on a beach to form the numbers “86 47,” accompanied by the caption: “Cool shell formation on my beach walk.”
The post drew criticism from Republican figures and administration officials, who said it constituted a threat against the president.
The number “86” is sometimes used as slang for removing or eliminating something, while Trump is the 47th president.
In a video message posted on Substack on Tuesday, Comey said he is “still innocent.”
Legal Strategy and Next Steps
Comey’s lawyers told the court they intend to file motions alleging selective and vindictive prosecution by the Justice Department.
The case will proceed in federal court in New Bern, North Carolina, under the supervision of Ellis Boyle. No date has been set for Comey’s arraignment there.
The charges mark the second time the Justice Department has brought a case against Comey.
In September 2025, he was accused of making false statements to Congress in connection with leaks to the press.
That case was later dismissed by a federal judge, who found that the interim U.S. attorney overseeing it had not been properly appointed.
The current indictment comes amid broader legal and political tensions, including recent changes in Justice Department leadership and ongoing disputes between the administration and its critics.
