Ex-FBI Director James Comey publishes another book, generating another wave of debate
Former FBI Director James Comey finds himself at the center of a federal inquiry following a controversial social media post. The post on Instagram, which has since been deleted, featured the numbers "86 47," sparking accusations that he was inciting violence against former President Donald Trump.
The numbers were interpreted by some as a coded reference to the president's assassination. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem initiated an investigation into the matter, with the Secret Service taking the lead. They have since interviewed Comey over the post, with Noem expressing her dedication to ensuring the protection of the president.
Comey, however, denies any intention of inciting violence, stating that the post was more a harmless curiosity rather than a deliberate threat[1]. "Never occurred to me that someone would try to say it was associated with violence," Comey said[2]. He went on to explain that his wife, Patrice, suggested him to take the picture thinking it was a clever political reference[2].
"I don't regret it in the sense that I had any sense that it was related to violence," Comey added[2]. He acknowledges regretting the post merely because of the attention it has brought and for causing potential distractions.
Comey's latest work, "FDR Drive," a crime novel, explores the themes of free speech and the consequences of words that incite violence. The book portrays a right-wing podcaster urging his followers to acts of violence, focusing on the struggle of a federal prosecutor to halt the violence and hold the podcaster accountable[3][4]. The investigation into Comey's social media post has attracted attention away from his literary accomplishments, adding to his disappointment about the matter.
In his career as FBI director, Comey witnessed the growth of domestic, white-supremacy motivated violence, inspiring him to write a novel centered around this issue[4]. "I wanted to craft a cool story using that as the center of it," he said[4].
The book illustrates how men who perceive themselves as under siege are more likely to be radicalized. Comey shared his thoughts on this theme, explaining that men may be susceptible to promises of dominance and masculine affirmation offered by extremist ideologies[4].
Reflecting on the reaction to his Instagram post, Comey stated that it was striking to him that some perceived a violent threat in the numbers 86 47, although he never shared that belief[2].
As the investigation into the post continues, Comey remains confident that he will not face prosecution, given that he never intended any harm[2]. He also alluded to his strained relationship with the former president, Donald Trump, noting Trump's continued preoccupation with him despite his departure from the FBI[2].
Comey's novel, "FDR Drive," is a gripping crime thriller centered around the line between free speech and violent incitement, topics that resonate profoundly in the current political climate in the United States.
- The homeland security investigation into former FBI Director James Comey's Instagram post has overshadowed the release of his latest book, "FDR Drive," a crime novel that explores themes of free speech and the consequences of words that incite violence.
- In his novel, "FDR Drive," Comey portrays a right-wing podcaster urging his followers to acts of violence, echoing the controversy surrounding the numbers "86 47" in his own social media post.
- Despite the ongoing investigation into his Instagram post, Comey remains critical of the perceived violent threat in the numbers 86 47, stating that it was a harmless political reference suggested by his wife, and that he never shared the belief that it posed a violent threat.
