Lead Prosecutor Leaves DOJ's Case Accusing James Comey of Threatening Trump via Seashell Post The federal prosecutor who led the indictment against former FBI Director James Comey for allegedly threatening President Trump by posting an image of seashells arranged as "86 47" has been removed from the case, according to court documents filed late Friday. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Petracca, who was listed as the government’s lead lawyer on the Comey case, is no longer involved, and federal prosecutor Timothy Severo has taken his place. Petracca’s departure follows similar withdrawals from at least three other cases, though the reasons for his removal remain unspecified. Comey, a long-time critic of President Trump, was charged in North Carolina last month with one count of threatening the president’s life and one count of transmitting an interstate threat. The indictment, which is set for trial in October, centers on a May 2025 Instagram post by Comey showing seashells forming the numbers "86 47" on a beach. Trump and his allies immediately condemned the post, arguing that the use of "86" implied a desire to kill the 47th president. Merriam-Webster defines "86" as slang for "throw out" or "get rid of," but critics argue the term’s ambiguity makes the charge legally dubious. Comey’s legal team has denounced the indictment as selective and vindictive prosecution, emphasizing that the case appears to target his political opposition to Trump. Comey, who was fired as FBI director by Trump in 2017, has consistently criticized the president since then. His defense claims the charges are an attempt to punish him for his political speech rather than a legitimate legal action.#james_comey #perry_carbone #merriam_webster #timothy_severo #matthew_petracca
Restaurant Workers Defend '86' as Common Lingo Amid Comey Indictment Federal prosecutors have charged former FBI Director James Comey with threatening President Donald Trump’s life, citing his use of the term “86” in an Instagram post. The term, which Comey used to describe a photo of seashells arranged to spell “86 47,” is central to the indictment. Prosecutors argue that a reasonable person familiar with the circumstances would interpret the post as a serious expression of intent to harm Trump. However, restaurant workers and industry experts argue that “86” is simply everyday lingo in the hospitality sector, with no connection to violence or threats. Mike Reyes, a 45-year-old operational excellence consultant at FLIK Hospitality Group, described the term as “the most overused word in hospitality.” He explained that in the industry, “86” means an item is unavailable and needs to be replenished. Reyes, who first encountered the term at age 14 while working in a restaurant, said it is used casually to indicate that inventory is depleted. “Any time you’re out of anything, it’s 86-ed,” he said, emphasizing that the term has no malicious connotation. David Brungoli, owner and chef of Pavin 86, an upscale New York City eatery, echoed this sentiment. He stated that the term is part of the restaurant’s name due to its location on East 86th Street and its longstanding ties to the industry. “It connects with restaurants,” Brungoli said. He clarified that “86” is used only when staff run out of an item and that it has “been used forever” in the industry. “If it’s 86, the next day we order more. It’s 86 for now,” he added, dismissing any notion that the term implies death or murder. John Coppola, chef at Bread & Spread Sandwich in Brooklyn, described the term as a versatile slang.#james_comey #mike_reyes #flik_hospitality_group #david_brungoli #pavin_86
Lindsey Halligan, a Trump loyalist with no prosecutorial experience, faces a Florida Bar investigation over her actions at the Department of Justice. The probe follows allegations that she falsely claimed to be a U.S. attorney and engaged in unethical behavior while working at the DOJ. Halligan, who previously served as an insurance lawyer, brought failed cases against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James before leaving the department in January. A bar official confirmed in a letter to the Campaign for Accountability that the Florida Bar has an ongoing investigation into Halligan. The nonprofit watchdog group had previously filed complaints with both the Florida and Virginia bars in November, alleging that Halligan violated ethical standards by misrepresenting her legal authority. The Campaign for Accountability followed up with the Florida Bar last month, citing findings from two federal judges who determined that Halligan operated without legal authority. One judge found she openly defied court orders, while another concluded she misled a grand jury. Halligan’s tenure at the DOJ ended after a federal judge ruled she unlawfully held the position of interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. The judge’s decision led to the dismissal of the cases against Comey and James, as the court determined Halligan’s appointment was invalid. The New York Times first reported the Florida Bar investigation. A federal judge appointed by President Donald Trump during his first term stated in January that Halligan had been “masquerading” as the district’s top federal prosecutor. However, the judge dismissed disciplinary proceedings against her, citing her lack of prosecutorial experience and the unusual circumstances of her appointment.#department_of_justice #lindsey_halligan #campaign_for_accountability #florida_bar #james_comey
