NewsReutersMay 7, 2026United States
Former FBI Director James Comey Seeks to Cancel North Carolina Court Appearance
Former FBI Director James Comey has requested to cancel a scheduled court appearance in North Carolina regarding charges of threatening President Donald Trump. Comey's legal team argues the appearance is redundant because he has already surrendered and appeared before a judge in Virginia, a request the Department of Justice supports.
Read the full story at ReutersWhy It Matters
The outcome of this case will determine whether a social media post containing specific numerical symbols meets the federal legal threshold for a criminal threat against a sitting president.
Key Facts
- James Comey is charged with a two-count indictment for allegedly threatening President Donald Trump.
- The charges stem from an Instagram post featuring seashells arranged as '86 47'.
- Prosecutors allege the post constitutes a threat against the 47th president.
- Comey claims the post was a political message, not a call to violence, and removed it after learning of the interpretation.
- Comey has already surrendered and appeared before a judge in Virginia.
- The Department of Justice has consented to Comey's request to cancel his upcoming appearance in Greenville, North Carolina.
- Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche claims investigators have evidence beyond the social media post.
- A previous, unrelated prosecution against Comey for making a false statement to Congress was dismissed due to the illegal appointment of the prosecutor.
Who's Mentioned
locationGreenville, North Carolina“Location of the scheduled court appearance.”locationVirginia“Location where Comey surrendered and appeared before a judge.”organizationDepartment of Justice“The federal agency prosecuting the case.”personDonald Trump“47th President of the United States and the alleged target of the threat.”personTodd Blanche“Acting Attorney General.”personJames Comey“Former FBI Director and defendant in the case.”