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Comey seeks dismissal of Trump threat case, says seashell photo is protected speech
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Former FBI Director James Comey has formally asked a federal judge to dismiss his indictment on a charge of threatening to kill President Donald Trump. Comey's lawyers argue that an Instagram photo he posted of seashells spelling out the number '86 47' does not constitute a 'true threat' and is protected free speech under the First Amendment. They contend the numerical phrase is a well-known political slogan expressing opposition to the president. The case stems from a photo taken on a North Carolina beach. The article is presented as breaking news with updates to follow.
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FILE PHOTO: FBI Director James Comey testifies before the House Intelligence Committee hearing into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. election, on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., March 20, 2017. Joshua Roberts | Reuters
Former FBI Director James Comey on Monday formally asked a federal judge to dismiss his indictment on a charge of threatening to kill President Donald Trump, arguing that the Instagram photo he posted of seashells spelling out the number "86 47" did not constitute a "true threat."
Key arguments from Comey's legal team:
- The seashell photo, taken on a North Carolina beach, is free speech protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution.
- The numerical phrase "8647" is a "well-known political slogan that expresses opposition to the president," according to Comey's lawyers.
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US Top News and AnalysisWestern
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Comey Seeks Dismissal of Seashell Threat Case, Citing Free Speech