Free-speech group questions use of Comey novel in threat indictment
TL;DR
A PEN America statement criticizes prosecutors for citing James Comey’s novel FDR Drive to bolster an indictment alleging he threatened Trump. The DoJ argues a seashell image post with the code “8647” could be read as a threat and involved cross-state transmission, while Comey and his lawyers say the post was protected speech and not a true threat. The case hinges on whether fiction or a literary metaphor can be used to criminalize free expression.
- Free speech group calls foul play at prosecutors using Comey novel in case against him The Guardian
- FBI asked 'Sammy the Bull' if ex-Gambino mob prosecutor Comey knew meaning of '86': court filing Fox News
- 'No serious dispute' that Comey's seashell post could be read as a Trump threat, prosecutors say Los Angeles Times
- Justice Department attempts to distance Attorney General Todd Blanche from Comey’s ‘8647’ seashell threat indictment CNN
- Book him: Prosecutors using James Comey’s novel against him in seashells case NBC News
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