During Sunday’s episode of NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche addressed the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey, emphasizing that the charges extend beyond a controversial Instagram post.
Host Kristen Welker highlighted the situation, noting, “A grand jury has charged the former FBI director based on this Instagram post. Let’s take a look. Many have seen it by now: ’86 47 and sea seashells.’ According to the indictment, this is deemed by a reasonable observer, familiar with the context, as a serious threat to the president. Can you explain how a picture of seashells translates into a significant risk to the president’s safety?”
Blanche responded, “Every case demands thorough investigation, and this instance is no exception. The Instagram post is merely one component of that inquiry. The diligent assistant U.S. attorneys, FBI agents, and Secret Service agents involved in this case examined far more than just that post. That’s why the indictment was issued last week, despite the post being from last May. While I’m unable to divulge specifics from the grand jury proceedings, I assure you the indictment isn’t solely based on the Instagram content.”
Welker then questioned, “How do you establish intent when Mr. Comey claims he did not anticipate that the post could be interpreted as a violent threat?”
Blanche explained, “Intent is established as it always is—through witness testimony, documents, and other materials. This situation involves a comprehensive collection of evidence amassed over roughly 11 months, which was presented to the grand jury. It’s important to note, the indictment wasn’t issued by the government, the Department of Justice, or myself, but by the grand jury.”
Welker inquired further, “Are you suggesting there is substantial evidence beyond this Instagram post that unequivocally indicates an intent to threaten the president?”
Blanche said, “I’ve said repeatedly this was an investigation that lasted 11 months.If the only facts that existed was the posting of the Instagram, obviously that wouldn’t have taken 11 months. And so when Mr. Turley talks about whether it’s facially unconstitutional absent unknown facts or circumstances, we will necessarily have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt, at trial, every element of this crime — which we’re prepared to do.”
Welker said, “Can you and will you let the public know what any of those other facts are?”
Blanche said, “Absolutely. It’s called a trial. That’s what happens at every single case. We indict thousands of cases every year. Every one of those cases, there’s an indictment and then eventually there is a trial or some sort of disposition. At the trial, a public trial, that will be open to the public, everybody in this country will know exactly what evidence the government has against Mr. Comey.”
Welker said, “It is worth noting that on Amazon.com — we looked this up — there are dozens of products with the same terminology, we’re showing it right here, 86 47 being sold and purchased right now. Should individuals selling or buying ’86 47′ merchandise be concerned that they’re going to be prosecuted by the DOJ?”
Blanche said, “This isn’t about a single incident, OK. I mean, of course not. That’s posted constantly. That phrase is used constantly. There are constantly men and women who choose to make threatening statements against President Trump. Every one of those statements do not result in indictments, of course. There are facts, there are circumstances, there are investigations that have to take place. And we have charged dozens and dozens of men and women this year with threatening President Trump and others. So this isn’t a new charge we’re bringing.”
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