The federal prosecutor leading the Justice Department\u2019s controversial criminal case against former FBI Director James Comey has abruptly stepped down, according to a new court filing \u2014 adding another twist to one of the most politically charged prosecutions of President Trump\u2019s second term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A notice of substitution filed Friday in the Eastern District of North Carolina revealed that Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Severo will replace Matthew Petracca as counsel for the government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The filing, submitted by U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina Ellis Boyle, requested that Petracca be removed from the court docket but offered no explanation for the sudden change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The shakeup comes as Comey prepares to fight charges stemming from a social media post featuring seashells arranged to read \u201c86 47\u201d \u2014 a message prosecutors allege amounted to a threat against President Donald Trump, the 47th president of the United States.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Comey faces two federal counts, including threatening the president and transmitting a threat in interstate commerce. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The phrase \u201c86\u201d is commonly used in restaurants to mean removing or discontinuing an item. But Trump administration officials argue the number carries a darker meaning in criminal circles and law enforcement culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\u201cThreatening the life of the President of the United States is a grave violation of our nation\u2019s laws,\u201d acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said in an April 28 statement announcing the indictment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe grand jury returned an indictment alleging James Comey did just that, at a time when this country has witnessed violent incitement followed by deadly actions against President Trump and other elected officials,\u201d Blanche added. \u201cThe temperature needs to be turned down, and anyone who dials it up and threatens the life of the President will be held accountable.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
FBI Director Kash Patel was equally blunt<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\u201cJames Comey disgracefully encouraged a threat on President Trump\u2019s life and posted it on Instagram for the world to see,\u201d Patel said. \u201cAs the former Director of the FBI, he knew full well the attention and consequences of making such a post. This FBI and our DOJ partners pursued a rigorous investigation that followed the facts \u2013 and now Mr. Comey will be held fully accountable for his actions.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Comey has vehemently denied that the image was intended as a threat, insisting he viewed the seashell arrangement as political expression rather than a call for violence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His legal team is expected to mount an aggressive First Amendment defense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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