Former FBI Director Comey faces new charges in second DOJ indictment

WASHINGTON: Former FBI Director James Comey is facing fresh legal trouble as the US Department of Justice has filed a second indictment against him, according to sources familiar with the case.

Details of the new charges have not yet been made public, and it remains unclear where the case has been filed. However, reports suggest the indictment may be linked to a social media post Comey shared last year, which drew criticism from allies of former President Donald Trump.

The post, shared on Instagram in May 2025, featured seashells arranged to display the numbers “86 47.” The number “86” in US slang can mean to remove or get rid of someone, while “47” is seen by some as a reference to Trump, the 47th president. The post sparked controversy, with some interpreting it as a threat. Comey later deleted the post, saying he believed it was a political message and was unaware that it could be associated with violence.

“I didn’t realise some people link those numbers with violence. I oppose violence in all forms, so I removed the post,” Comey said at the time.

This marks the second time Comey has been indicted by the Justice Department under Trump. In September, he was charged with making false statements and obstructing Congress, but the case was later dismissed by a federal judge, who ruled that the prosecutor involved was not lawfully appointed.

The latest development comes amid growing pressure on the Justice Department to take action against Trump’s political opponents. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has recently stepped up legal actions, including filing a case against a prominent civil rights organisation.

The situation highlights ongoing political tensions in the United States, with legal battles increasingly intersecting with political rivalries.