James Comey surrenders to police after being accused of chilling ‘threat’ on Trump’s life as he declares: ‘I’m innocent’

Ex-FBI boss James Comey has surrendered Wednesday to law enforcement as he faces charges for threatening Donald Trump’s life in an Instagram post. 

Comey surrendered Wednesday at a federal courthouse in the Eastern District of Virginia, where he was taken into custody ahead of his initial court appearance. 

He faces two federal charges: threatening the president and transmitting a threat in interstate commerce. 

Comey declared his innocence in a video message on Substack. ‘I’m still innocent, I’m still not afraid and I still believe in the independent federal judiciary, so let’s go,’ he said.

Comey entered and exited the Alexandria courthouse through a side door reserved for criminal defendants, wearing a dark suit and remaining silent throughout the hearing.

Judge William Fitzpatrick allowed Comey to leave without placing conditions on his release. The former FBI director did not enter a plea on Wednesday. Comey’s attorneys plan to file motions accusing the DOJ of selectively and vindictively prosecuting him at the President’s direction.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, who announced the charges, denied that Trump had directed him to bring the case.

His indictment relates to an Instagram post Comey made last May featuring seashells arranged to spell out ‘8647’, a phrase adopted by Trump’s critics that the President and his allies have characterized as a call for his assassination.

The number 86 is slang for removing or getting rid of something, though it can also mean to kill. Trump is the 47th President. 

Comey posted the photo with the caption: ‘Cool shell formation on my beach walk.’ He later deleted the post within the same day and apologized.