Trump Claims Former FBI Director James Comey Called For His 'Assassination' On Instagram Post: 'A Dirty Cop'

President Donald Trump accused former FBI Director James Comey of calling for his assassination on an Instagram post on Thursday, calling him a "dirty cop."

Speaking to Fox News' Bret Baier, Trump said Comey knew exactly what that meant." "A child know what that meant. You were the FBI director and you know what that meant... it meant assassination. It says it loud and clear. He wasn't very competent but he was competent enough to know what that meant. He did it for a reason and he was hit so hard because people like me."

Comey posted a picture on Thursday that showed the numbers 8647 written with seashells on a beach. The post was swiftly condemned by administration officials and lawmakers, saying that it called for violence against Trump. NBC News highlighted that, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the number 86 can informally mean "to get rid of." And Trump is now the 47th president of the United States.

Comey soon took down the post and released a statement saying he was not aware the figure could be interpreted as a call for violence. "I didn't realize some folks associate it with violence. That didn't occur to me when I saw it but I am opposed to violence in all circumstances so I took it down," Comey said.

After journalist Bret Baier noted to Trump that Comey apologized, Trump said he only did so because "he was hit." "I don't want to take a position because it's going to be up to Pam (Bondi). I will say this. I think it was a terrible thing. And when you add his history to that... he's a dirty cop. If he had a clean history I could understand if there was leniency but I'm going to let them make that decision."

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said on X that her department and the Secret Service are "investigating this threat and will respond appropriately." A spokesperson for the Secret Service said the agency "vigorously investigates anything that can be taken as a potential threat against our protectees."

Current FBI Director Kash Patel added that the bureau is ready to "provide all necessary support" to the Secret Service in its investigation.

Trump fired Comey in his first term after the FBI, under his leadership, opened an investigation into allegations that members of his first presidential campaign had contact with Russian entities. The main reason, the White House said back then, was senior Justice Department officials saying he interfered with an investigation into Hillary Clinton's use of a private server email while she was Secretary of State.