# Comey seashells case delayed to early 2027

> Former FBI director's Instagram post prosecution faces mounting legal challenges and postponement.
- Title: Comey seashells case delayed to early 2027 · NBC News
- Summary: Former FBI director's Instagram post prosecution faces mounting legal challenges and postponement. James Comey's prosecution over a seashell photo has been…
- Keywords: james comey, former fbi director, instagram photo, seashells, indictment, federal prosecution, donald trump, political prosecution, judge louise flanagan, new bern north carolina, politics, news
- Source: NBC News — https://nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/james-comey-seashells-case-delayed-early-2027-rcna599883
- Author: Gary Grumbach
- Published: 2026-09-25T18:32:41.951+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: james comey, former fbi director, instagram photo, seashells, indictment, federal prosecution, donald trump, political prosecution, judge louise flanagan, new bern north carolina, politics, news
## Comey charged over seashell photo
Former FBI Director James Comey was indicted after posting an Instagram photo of seashells arranged to spell 8647, which prosecutors say was a threat against President Trump.
## What the numbers allegedly mean
The number 86 is restaurant slang for canceling something, while 47 refers to Trump as the 47th president. Together, prosecutors argue it constitutes a threat.
## Trial pushed to January 2027
Judge Louise Flanagan delayed Comey's arraignment from September until January, citing the gravity of charges and pending motions requiring more preparation time.

> The gravity of the charges, pending motions, and the need to provide defense counsel additional time to prepare for trial promote need for continuance.
## Defense claims political persecution
Comey's legal team argues the prosecution is a yearslong campaign by Trump to punish him for protected speech, not a legitimate application of law.
## Key witness has extreme bias
Comey's team highlighted that a main witness is an estranged associate of the Comeys who said they hoped Comey went to jail, raising questions about credibility.
## Lead prosecutor exits case
Matthew Petracca, the rookie federal prosecutor leading the case, left the prosecution in May, adding to questions about the case's viability.
## Key takeaway

James Comey's prosecution over a seashell photo has been delayed until January 2027 as his legal team challenges whether the case is politically motivated.