WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced a resolution condemning former FBI Director James Comey for inciting violence against President Donald Trump in a recent social media post. In response to Comey’s reckless threat on the President’s life, the resolution condemns his incitement of violence, bars Comey from future employment by the federal government, and calls for investigations by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security into Comey’s threats. The resolution was cosponsored by U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO), and a companion resolution was led by Reps. August Pfluger (R-TX) and Laurel Lee (R-FL) in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“For the former FBI director to be amplifying threats against the President of the United States is disgraceful,” said Senator Mike Lee. “President Trump has been targeted in two assassination attempts and wounded in one, which killed Corey Comperatore. Congress should unite to condemn Jim Comey in the strongest terms.”

"As violent riots rage across Los Angeles, it has never been more important to have leaders in Washington that are prepared to defend the rule of law and uphold our shared values," said Rep. August Pfluger, Chairman of the Republican Study Committee. "James Comey’s reckless incitement of violence is another reminder of how dangerous it is when former public officials prioritize politics over the values our nation was founded upon. This bicameral resolution demands the accountability and transparency the American people deserve, ensuring Comey never again holds a position of public trust."

“For years, we’ve heard accusations from the Left about so-called dangerous rhetoric. But now, former FBI Director James Comey—the same official who helped launch the discredited Russia collusion hoax —is engaging in rhetoric that carries an implicit threat against President Trump. As a former federal prosecutor and judge, I take this very seriously. James Comey should never again hold a position of public trust in the United States Government, and we formally urge the Department of Justice to investigate whether his conduct violates applicable laws. The American people deserve equal justice—not selective outrage. If we are to preserve the rule of law, then even those who once led law enforcement must be held accountable.” – Representative Laurel Lee

Resolution

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 Resolved, That the Senate— 

(1) unequivocally condemns James Comey’s ap3 parent 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.

Read exclusive coverage from The Daily Signal here.

See the official resolution text here. 

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