The federal prosecutor overseeing the criminal case against former FBI Director James Comey has stepped down, as indicated by a recent court filing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Severo will take over from Matthew Petracca, who was initially hired for the case by U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. The filing did not provide a reason for the change.
Comey faces two federal charges related to an Instagram post featuring seashells arranged to read "86 47," which prosecutors allege could be interpreted as a threat against President Donald Trump. The Justice Department claims the post represents a serious expression of intent to cause harm.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that threatening the life of the President is a significant violation of U.S. laws. The indictment against Comey was announced on April 28, citing concerns about violent incitement against public officials. Comey has denied any threatening intent, asserting that the post was meant as a political statement.
The case is being prosecuted in North Carolina, where the seashells were photographed. The trial is set to proceed in October after a request for a delay was granted. NBC News reported that Petracca had also stepped back from other cases and had considered leaving the Justice Department. Legal experts have noted potential First Amendment challenges to the charges against Comey, arguing that the image may be protected speech.