Cotton urges Patel to probe Comey over controversial Instagram post
Calls for a federal investigation into former FBI Director James Comey intensified after a beachside Instagram photo he shared sparked bipartisan concern.
Sen. Tom Cotton formally requested an investigation by the FBI after Comey posted and then deleted a photo many interpreted as a veiled threat against President Donald Trump, as Breitbart reports.
After backlash mounted online, Comey removed the photo and shared a follow-up statement, denying any malicious intent behind the post. “I posted earlier a picture of some shells I saw today on a beach walk, which I assumed were a political message,” Comey wrote. He added that it never occurred to him that “some folks associate those numbers with violence” and reiterated his opposition to violent behavior of any kind.
Despite the clarification, widespread concern led to involvement from multiple federal agencies. By Friday, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed on social media that the Secret Service and her department were “investigating this threat and will respond appropriately.”
Cotton sends letter requesting FBI involvement
On Friday, Cotton sent a formal letter to Patel, urging the agency to conduct a thorough investigation into Comey’s actions. In his letter, Cotton referenced Comey’s controversial past, including allegations of biased investigations and leaking classified information during his tenure as FBI director.
The senator also echoed sentiments made by President Trump in a recent interview on Fox News. Trump stated that Comey’s intentions were clear and that “he knew what that meant.” He emphasized that even “a child knows what that meant,” asserting that the post was a “terrible thing” and labeling Comey as a “dirty cop.”
Patel acknowledged receiving Cotton’s letter and confirmed that the FBI would coordinate with the Secret Service, which maintains primary jurisdiction in such matters. “We, the FBI, will provide all necessary support,” Patel said in a public statement.
Federal officials, intelligence leaders weigh in
The controversial post and Cotton’s request sparked responses from high-ranking federal officials. Tulsi Gabbard, the director of National Intelligence, stated during a Fox News segment that Comey should “be behind bars” for what she described as a “direct threat” to the president. Gabbard did not elaborate on whether the intelligence community would participate in any ongoing probes.
A senior congressional aide told Breitbart News that Cotton’s letter was only the beginning of what could be a deeper investigation into Comey’s conduct during and after his time in office. “The fact that he is making assassination references towards a president who has faced assassination attempts shows that every single thing he did must be investigated,” the aide said, warning that Comey “is not above the law.”
Another congressional source, also speaking to Breitbart, suggested that subpoenas may be issued if Comey fails to cooperate with any forthcoming investigations. The source stated that refusal to comply could result in criminal charges, indicating that Congress is prepared to escalate the matter.
Trump supporters praise cotton’s response
Supporters of President Trump have rallied behind Sen. Cotton, applauding his decision to formally challenge Comey’s actions. One source close to the administration described Cotton as a “MAGA warrior” and thanked him for standing up to what they viewed as Comey’s ongoing criticism and undermining of Trump’s presidency.
Comey’s history with Trump has been fraught, beginning with the high-profile investigation into Russian election interference and extending through his dismissal as FBI director in 2017. Many within Trump’s circle have long viewed Comey as politically motivated and untrustworthy in his handling of sensitive matters.
This latest incident adds more tension to that already hostile relationship and could reignite partisan divisions over the conduct of federal law enforcement leadership during the Trump years.
Legal action still possible
While federal agencies continue their joint investigation of Comey’s post, it's unclear whether the matter will lead to formal charges. As of now, the former FBI director has not been accused of any crimes, and his statement insisted that he did not foresee the interpretation his post would receive.
Nonetheless, political momentum for a deeper probe appears to be building. With calls for subpoenas growing and statements from influential officials like Patel, Noem and Gabbard, the situation may soon take legal dimensions if further actions are deemed necessary.
Trump himself said the case should be reviewed by legal experts, stating, “I don’t want to take a position on it,” but noting that others including attorney Pam Bondi would determine the right course. He reiterated his belief that Comey’s motives were not accidental, suggesting that “he did it for a reason.”
Congressional scrutiny could expand
Several officials in Congress indicated that the controversy surrounding the “86 47” post could prompt an expanded review of Comey's entire record as FBI director. They argued that past decisions deserve new scrutiny, especially given his apparent willingness to engage in political discourse during a volatile election season.
No members of the Senate have come out in support of Comey’s post, and bipartisan alarm over the content could lead to further hearings or public testimony, especially if additional information comes to light.
For now, the former FBI director remains under the political microscope, with a growing chorus of officials demanding answers and accountability.
