James Comey criminal trial over ’86 47′ post set for July 15

Published May 8, 2026 5:26pm ET | Updated May 8, 2026 5:26pm ET



A federal judge on Friday set a criminal trial date for former FBI Director James Comey over allegations that a social media post containing the phrase “86 47” spelled out using seashells amounted to a threat against President Donald Trump.

In a written order issued Friday, U.S. District Judge Louise Flanagan in North Carolina scheduled the trial to begin on July 15 and agreed to postpone Comey’s first appearance, which had originally been set for Monday. Instead, Comey is now expected to enter a not guilty plea on June 30.

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