FLASHBACK: Comey had another anti-Trump seashell photo moment during 2024 election

Comey posted a photo of a single larger seashell that was painted blue with the words "Vote Harris" on it in October 2024. "Saw this at the beach," the ex-FBI chief captioned the post. "Ariel understands the assignment," he added, apparently a reference to the main character of Disney's "The Little Mermaid."

Comey's propensity to post images of political messages on the beach has gotten him into some hot water after the Secret Service said it was sending agents to investigate and interview Comey.

Shortly after posting the image, Comey took it down and subsequently put up a separate post acknowledging the matter. 

"I posted earlier a picture of some shells I saw today on a beach walk, which I assumed were a political message," Comey said in his subsequent post. "I didn't realize some folks associate those numbers with violence. It never occurred to me but I oppose violence of any kind so I took the post down."

"We are in communication with the Secret Service and Director Curran," Patel said. "Primary jurisdiction is with SS on these matters and we, the FBI, will provide all necessary support."

Comey's Thursday Instagram post was roundly criticized, including by the president, for working to stoke political violence.

"If a right-winger posted this against a leftist, all hell would break loose. But because it's James Comey-the man who weaponized the FBI against President Trump-the left is silent," Tennessee Republican Rep. Andy Ogles said. "That's unacceptable. The Left invented the term 'stochastic terrorism' to go after conservatives anytime they voiced a strong opinion."

"Know that these people - some evil, most just followers too weak to stand up - will fade, but the need for your work will remain," the post said in part. "Don't let the darkness of bad people steal the joy of public service," it added.