"Comey asked Thursday to cancel his upcoming court appearance in Greenville, saying it was unnecessary because he had already surrendered in Virginia and faced a judge on charges that he threatened President Donald Trump."
"He was charged in a two-count indictment last week with "knowingly and willfully" communicating a threat against Trump by posting an Instagram photo of seashells in the numerical arrangement of "86 47." Prosecutors allege the photo constituted a threat against Trump, the 47th president."
"Comey has said he assumed the seashell arrangement, which he says he found on a beach, reflected a political message - not a call to violence - and that he removed the post once he saw that some people were interpreting it as a threat."
"Legal experts have questioned whether the Justice Department can meet the high legal standard of proving that Comey intended his Instagram post to be a threat. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has said investigators have evidence beyond just the post itself. He has not elaborated."
James Comey will not appear in court in North Carolina after his attorneys waived his initial appearance. Comey requested cancellation of the Greenville court date, stating he had already surrendered in Virginia and faced a judge on related charges. He was charged with communicating a threat by posting an Instagram photo of seashells arranged as “86 47.” Prosecutors allege the arrangement was a threat referencing Trump as the 47th president. Comey said he believed the arrangement reflected a political message rather than a call to violence and removed the post after people interpreted it as a threat. The judge agreed to cancel the date if a waiver was filed. Legal experts questioned whether prosecutors can prove intent to threaten. The Justice Department said investigators have evidence beyond the post. A dictionary entry notes “86” can mean to throw out or refuse service.
Read at ABC11 Raleigh-Durham
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