The US Department of Justice has filed extensive new court documents defending its ongoing criminal prosecution of former FBI Director James Comey.
The controversy stems from a social media image posted by Comey showing beach seashells arranged to spell out the numbers "86 47."
Federal prosecutors argue the post carries a coded threat against President Trump, asserting an objective viewer could interpret it as violent rhetoric.
Comey's defense team has pushed to dismiss the charges, calling the seashell photo protected political speech rather than a real threat.
Prosecutors countered claims that Comey is facing selective or vindictive prosecution, insisting the case is strictly based on legal merit.
The Justice Department maintains that whether the post constitutes a genuine threat should be determined in court by a jury.
As both sides present massive filings in federal court, the case remains one of the most unprecedented legal clashes involving a former FBI chief.