June 10, 2025
Mr. Lee (for himself, Mr. Hawley, Mrs. Blackburn, and Mr. Hagerty) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
A resolution condemning James B. Comey, former Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, for inciting violence against President Donald J. Trump.
Whereas James B. Comey, former Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (in this preamble, referred to as the FBI), on May 15, 2025, posted an image on Instagram depicting the numbers 86 47
with the cryptic caption cool shell formation
;
Whereas this message promotes violence against the sitting President of the United States, Donald J. Trump;
Whereas Mr. Comey posted this to his public Instagram account during President Trump's first overseas trip to the Middle East, jeopardizing his security and invigorating the enemies of the United States abroad;
Whereas it is indefensible and inexcusable to issue a call for violence against the President of the United States;
Whereas Mr. Comey exhibits a clear desire to undermine President Trump;
Whereas there have been multiple assassination attempts against President Trump;
Whereas former public officials owe a special duty of care not to use their past positions and influence accrued through public service to threaten the lives of their political opponents; and
Whereas Congress must hold Mr. Comey accountable for his violations of the public trust and preserve the rule of law to protect our institutions from those that seek to sow discord and promote violence against their political opponents: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate—
(1)
unequivocally condemns James Comey's apparent incitement of political violence against President Trump;
(2)
urges the relevant authorities to take every relevant action to ensure that Mr. Comey is never again permitted to serve as an employee of the Federal Government; and
(3)
requests that the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security conduct a full and comprehensive investigation of Mr. Comey's attempts to incite violence against the President, and release the findings to the relevant committees of Congress and the public.