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Timeline: Former FBI director James Comey charged with threatening Trump's life
The timeline covers Comey’s Seashell-86-47 image case, including the 2025 indictment, a 2025 plea and 2025 dismissal due to an invalid appointment, and related 2026 rulings and comments. It also notes the earlier charges against Comey and related actions involving the Trump administration. The events show how social media posts can lead to federal legal action and how procedural issues can affect prosecutions.
Why It Matters
Shows how social media content intersects with federal prosecution and how courtroom rulings can shape ongoing legal battles between Comey and Trump, highlighting tensions over investigations of political figures.
Timeline
10 Events
Maurene Comey case ruling advances
April 28, 2026
Earlier on Tuesday, a separate judge ruled that Maurene Comey can move forward with her case challenging her firing by the Trump administration.
Todd Blanche comments on the indictment
April 28, 2026
Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche said, 'While this case is unique, and this indictment stands out because of the name of the defendant, his alleged conduct is the same kind of conduct that we will never tolerate and that we will always investigate and regularly prosecute.'
Comey comments on potential actions by Trump after dismissal
November 2025
Comey acknowledged that Trump will probably come after him again after the ruling.
Indictment dismissed over improper appointment
November 2025
US District Judge Cameron Currie dismissed the indictment against Comey because the interim US attorney's appointment was invalid, leaving the door open for a future prosecution.
Comey pleads not guilty in court
October 2025
Comey pleaded not guilty during a brief court appearance.
Trump calls for aggressive investigations of adversaries
September 2025
Days before the indictment, Trump called on top law enforcement to more aggressively investigate his political adversaries, including Comey.
Indictment over seashell image charges
September 2025
A federal grand jury indicted Comey on charges related to the seashell image, alleging threats to the life of President Donald Trump. The indictment lists two felony counts, each carrying a maximum term of 10 years in prison.
Instagram post deleted; Comey explains the removal
May 2025
Comey deleted the Instagram post, saying he assumed the seashells were a political message and that he opposes violence of any kind.
US Secret Service interview about seashell photo
May 2025
US Secret Service agents interviewed Comey in May 2025 about the seashell photo.
Instagram seashell image posted in 2025
May 2025
Comey posted an image on Instagram showing seashells forming the numbers '86 47'. The article notes that '86' is slang for eject or remove.