CNN Legal Analyst Slams Gabbard Over Call to Jail Comey for Cryptic Post

A CNN legal analyst rebuked Tulsi Gabbard for calling for former FBI Director James Comey’s arrest over a cryptic social media post that some in the Trump administration interpreted as a veiled threat against the president, Isabel van Brugen reported for The Daily Beast.

Comey, who was fired by Trump during his first term, has not commented on the uproar. I Photo: Brookings Institute Flickr

Appearing on CNN’s The Source, analyst Elie Honig said Gabbard’s suggestion was “ridiculous.”

He added, “This is not criminal. It’s political speech. It’s stupid, it’s reckless — but it’s not criminal.” The post in question featured a photo of seashells arranged to read “86 47,” which Comey captioned: “Cool shell formation on my beach walk.”

The number “86” is slang for “get rid of,” and when paired with “47” — Trump would be the 47th president if re-elected — it prompted speculation that Comey was implying harm.

The Trump administration has taken the post seriously. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the DHS and Secret Service are investigating.

Comey, who was fired by Trump during his first term, has not commented on the uproar. Critics argue the reaction is political theater; supporters say it is a legitimate security concern.