Comey Indicted Over "86 47," Massive MN Fraud Raid, King Charles Addresses Congress: AM Update 4/29

Summary

The Megyn Kelly Show – AM Update 4/29/26

Episode Title: Comey Indicted Over "86 47," Massive MN Fraud Raid, King Charles Addresses Congress
Date: April 29, 2026
Host: Megyn Kelly (SiriusXM)

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Episode Overview

In this episode, Megyn Kelly covers a packed news day:

• Former FBI Director James Comey’s indictment over a cryptic social media post
• Sweeping federal raids on Somali-run businesses in Minnesota amid a huge fraud probe
• The federal indictment of a former top advisor to Dr. Anthony Fauci for destruction of COVID-related records
• King Charles III’s historic address to a joint session of the U.S. Congress

The episode features both news reporting and legal analysis, as well as expert and political commentary, bringing together headline-grabbing stories from law, politics, and international relations.

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1. James Comey Indicted Over "86 47" Instagram Post

(00:39 – 08:26)

Background and Event

• James Comey, former FBI Director, was indicted by the Trump Justice Department for an Instagram post from May 2025.
  • The image: seashells arranged as “86 47”.
    • 86: slang for “get rid of” or “kill”
    • 47: Reference to President Trump (47th President)
  • Post Caption: “Cool shell formation on my beach walk.”
  • The post sparked outrage among Trump supporters, including a notable reaction from Donald Trump Jr.:

    “Just James Comey casually calling for my dad to be murdered. This is who the Dem media worships. Demented.”
    (03:31)

  • Comey deleted the post, claimed no violent intent:

    “I oppose violence of any kind, so I took the post down.”
    (03:53)

DOJ Charges (Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche)

• Comey indicted on two counts:

  1. Knowingly making a threat to take the life of, or inflict bodily harm upon, the President of the United States
  2. Willfully transmitting a threat to kill the President via interstate communication

• Each count carries up to 10 years in prison.

  “Threatening the life of the President of the United States will never be tolerated by the Department of Justice.”
  (04:52, Todd Blanche)

• Judge Louise W. Flanagan (appointed by George W. Bush) assigned to the case.

Comey’s Response

• Comey posted a video reiterating his innocence and criticizing the DOJ:

  “Well, they’re back this time about a picture of seashells. This is not who we are as a country… Keep the faith.”
  (06:21 – 06:54, James Comey)

Legal Analysis

• Ellie Hoenig (CNN Legal Analyst, former federal prosecutor):
  • Says the case is “probably fatally flawed”:

    “Ambiguity is always the enemy of prosecutors… I don’t see any realistic way prosecutors are gonna be able to do that here.”
    (07:25, Ellie Hoenig)

• Mike Davis (Attorney, former Gorsuch law clerk):
  • Argues the charges are appropriate:

    “James Comey is the former director of the FBI. He clearly knows that saying ‘86, 47’… is a clear threat.”
    (08:02, Mike Davis)

Context

• Comey faced an earlier 2025 indictment (lying to Congress, obstruction) – dismissed on technical grounds, DOJ appealing.

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2. Massive Minnesota Fraud Raid

(08:26 – 09:48)

Key Details

• Federal agents executed at least 22 search warrants at childcare centers and businesses, most Somali-run, across Minneapolis.
• The investigation targets alleged abuse of taxpayer-funded childcare/social service programs, not immigration status.
• Quality Learning Center (misspelled “Leering” in reports), previously exposed by YouTuber Nick Shirley, among the main targets.

Background and Impact

• Since 2021: 90+ people charged, dozens convicted in pandemic relief fraud; estimated losses up to $19 billion.
• President Trump declared “war on fraud”; Vice President J.D. Vance heads new federal task force.

  • “The task force and the DOJ will be relentless in exposing these fraudsters wherever they may be hiding.”
    (09:14, V.P. Vance via X)

Political Fallout

• Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) credited state agencies for catching the fraud, despite dropping his own re-election bid amid criticism.

  • “That’s how the system is supposed to work and our agencies will keep at it as long as there are fraudsters around to put behind bars.”
    (09:39, Gov. Walz via X)

• FBI Director Kash Patel counters, crediting federal agencies.

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3. Fauci Advisor Indicted Over COVID Record Destruction

(10:53 – 16:58)

Indictment Details

• David Morens (former senior advisor to Dr. Fauci, NIAID) indicted for:

  • Conspiracy, destruction/alteration/falsification of federal records, concealment/removal of records
  • Used personal emails to evade FOIA requests amid pandemic, deleted incriminating correspondence
  • Indictment names two likely co-conspirators: Dr. Peter Daszak (EcoHealth Alliance) & Dr. Gerald Koischee (Boston University/NIH)

• Example email:

  “I learned from our FOIA lady here how to make emails disappear after I am FOIA but before the search starts, so I think we are all safe. Plus I deleted most of those earlier emails after sending them to Gmail.” (15:33, Morens’ email excerpt)

• Morens also accepted gifts (wine) in exchange for favorable support and later published COVID “natural origin” papers.

Congressional Oversight

• Morens questioned before the House Oversight Committee (2024):

  • Admits inadvertent use of personal email for business:

    “Some of the emails… look pretty incriminating… it looks like I made a mistake on more than one occasion, but it certainly wasn’t my intention…”
    (16:45–16:58, Morens testimony paraphrased)

• If convicted: up to 51 years in prison.

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4. King Charles III Addresses U.S. Congress

(16:58 – 20:52)

Highlights from the Historic Speech

• Charles becomes only the second British monarch (after Queen Elizabeth II in 1991) to address Congress.

• Speech praised for humor and warmth, with notable witticisms:

  “This is a city which symbolizes a period in our shared history or what Charles Dickens might have called a tale of two Georges: the first President George Washington and my five times great grandfather King George III... King George, as you know, never set foot in America. And please rest assured, ladies and gentlemen, I am not here as part of some cunning rear guard action.”
  (17:44, King Charles III)

• Reference to recent assassination attempt on President Trump:

  “Such acts of violence will never succeed… we stand united in our commitment to uphold democracy.”
  (18:46, King Charles III)

• Emphasizes trans-Atlantic unity:

  “From the bitter divisions of 250 years ago, we forged a friendship that has grown into one of the most consequential alliances in human history.”
  (19:49, King Charles III)

Political Backdrop

• Address occurs as U.S.–UK diplomatic relations are tested (Trump administration frustrated with UK’s stance on Iran war).

President Trump’s Remarks

• At subsequent state dinner, Trump jokes:

  “I want to congratulate Charles on having made a fantastic speech today at Congress. He got the Democrats to stand. I’ve never been able to do this.”
  (20:37, President Trump)

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• James Comey (Video response):

  "I'm still innocent, I'm still not afraid, and I still believe in the independent federal judiciary. So let's go."
  (00:39, 06:21)

• Acting AG Todd Blanche:

  "Threatening the life of the President of the United States will never be tolerated by the Department of Justice."
  (04:52)

• Ellie Hoenig (CNN):

  "Ambiguity is always the enemy of prosecutors… I don't see any realistic way prosecutors are gonna be able to do that here."
  (07:25)

• Mike Davis (Attorney):

  "James Comey did this after the second assassination attempt against President Trump… It was long past time for the Justice Department to step in."
  (08:17)

• King Charles III (humor):

  “As Oscar Wilde said, we have really everything in common with America nowadays, except of course, language.”
  (17:44)

• King Charles III (unity):

  “Whatever our differences, whatever disagreements we may have, we stand united in our commitment to uphold democracy.”
  (18:46)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment Topic | |--------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:39–08:26 | Comey indictment “86 47” – news, analysis, reactions | | 08:26–09:48 | Minnesota fraud raids and political fallout | | 10:53–16:58 | Fauci advisor David Morens indicted, FOIA evasion, Congressional hearing | | 16:58–20:52 | King Charles III’s address to Congress, key lines, state dinner |

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Summary Takeaways

This episode showcases the heightened legal and political tensions of 2026:

• A polarizing indictment against James Comey for what prosecutors call a presidential threat, with expert disagreement over the case's merits.
• Sweeping action taken on Minnesota welfare fraud, involving federal-state friction and high political stakes.
• Unprecedented criminal charges tied to the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, targeting high-level government scientists for FOIA evasion.
• King Charles III’s U.S. visit underscores both the endurance and strains in the Anglo-American “special relationship,” offering a note of humor and unity in a time of tumult.

For more, Megyn Kelly invites listeners to tune in live at noon on SiriusXM and on major podcast platforms.

Transcript

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[Megyn Kelly]

Good morning everyone. I'm Megyn Kelly. It's Wednesday, April 29, 2026 and this is your AM update.

[James Comey]

I'm still innocent, I'm still not afraid, and I still believe in the independent federal judiciary. So let's go.

[Megyn Kelly]

Former FBI Director James Comey, indicted again by the Trump Justice Department, this time over that bizarre seashell social media post from last year. Federal agents launching a swee sweeping series of coordinated raids across Minnesota targeting dozens of Somali run childcare centers and businesses in a massive fraud probe. A former top advisor to Dr. Anthony Fauci charged with conspiracy, accused of destroying documents related to the coronavirus's origins.

[King Charles III]

Whatever disagreements we may have, we stand united in our commitment to uphold democracy

[Megyn Kelly]

and King Charles III on Capitol Hill striking a unifying tone in a rare charming address to Congress. All that and more coming up in just a moment on your AM update. Here's a question. How many brokers does it take to insure your business? If you are like most business owners, the answer is too many. Multiple policies, multiple applications, no clear view of how it all fits together. And when questions come up, it's not easy to get the clarity you need. My God, just the word insurance. It's like you cower in fear. But super sure changes all that. Truly listen to what they do. It's a one stop shop for all of your business insurance. You don't have to have this policy with that guy, this policy with that gal. Try to figure it out. When something goes wrong, who do I call? Which policy is it? What's included, what's not? This is backed by a team that's going to work with you year round, not just at renewal. And if you've ever stared at a policy wondering what in God's name it actually covers, super sure has a fine print fax tool that will translate the legal jargon into into plain English so you know what's covered and what's not. Right now you can go to super sure.com and get a full report on your current policies with zero obligation. Find out if you're overinsured. Maybe you have too many policies or you've paid too much for them, underinsured or somewhere in between. Go to super sure.com, one super agency, one powerful platform. All of your policies in one place and somebody to help you understand them. Go to super sure.commegan today. That's super sure.commegan paid for by Super Shore Insurance Agency, LLC, a licensed insurance company Former FBI Director James Comey indicted yesterday by the DOJ for a second time under the Trump administration, this time for an Instagram post made by Comey last May. The post, featuring a picture of seashells arranged to resemble the numbers 8647 in gang slaying 86 means to get rid of or possibly kill someone while in restaurant slaying. It refers to canceling an order or being out of an item, or to refuse someone's service or to kick them out. 47 of course, a reference to President Trump, the 47th President Comey captioning the image quote Cool shell formation on my beach walk. The post quickly drawing condemnation from many Trump supporters. Donald Trump Jr. Posting at the time, quote, just James Comey casually calling for my dad to be murdered. This is who the Dem media worships. Demented Comey deleting the post several hours later. Uploading a new statement quote I posted earlier a picture of some shells I saw on a beach walk, which I assumed were a political message. I didn't realize some folks associate those numbers with violence. It never occurred to me, but I oppose violence of any kind, so I took the post down. Comey making several media appearances in the following weeks, coinciding with a book tour defending the post as a misunderstanding. Yesterday, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announcing the charges against Comey.

[Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche]

A grand jury sitting in the Eastern District of North Carolina returned an indictment against James Comey on two counts. The first count is that honor about May 15th of last year he knowingly and willfully making a threat to take the life of and to inflict bodily harm upon the President of the United States. Count two same day, May 15, 2025 that the defendant, James Comey, knowingly and willfully transmitting in interstate commerce of communication that contained a threat to kill the President of the United States. Both of these counts carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. So I think it's fair to say that threatening the life of anybody is dangerous and potentially a crime. Threatening the life of the President of the United States will never be tolerated by the Department of Justice.

[Megyn Kelly]

A DOJ press release clarifying that Comey faces 10 years total behind bars AG Blanche pointing to a string of similar cases involving threats against public officials, stressing that while this indictment may draw attention because of the defendant's name, the alleged conduct is not unique. Blanche stressing this type of behavior will not be tolerated by the DOJ and will continue to be investigated and prosecuted aggressively. The case assigned to President George W. Bush appointed Judge Louise W. Flanagan of the U.S. district Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina. The grand jury also reportedly issuing an arrest warrant. It is unclear if Comey will be allowed to self surrender. AG Blanche telling reporters yesterday the DOJ would be in touch with Comey's legal team on the matter. Yesterday afternoon, the former FBI director responding to the indictment in a video posted to his substack well, they're back this

[James Comey]

time about a picture of seashells on a North Carolina beach a year ago and this won't be the end of it. But nothing has changed with me. I'm still innocent, I'm still not afraid, and I still believe in the independent federal judiciary. So let's go. But it's really important that all of us remember this is not who we are as a country. This is not how the Department of Justice is supposed to be. And the good news is we get closer every day to restoring those values. Keep the faith.

[Megyn Kelly]

CNN senior legal analyst Ellie Hoenig, a former federal prosecutor, does not think much of the case.

[Legal Analysts (Ellie Hoenig and Mike Davis)]

I think this indictment is deeply flawed. I think it's probably fatally flawed, and here's why. The law that Justice Department prosecutors have chosen to charge here requires an intent to kill or physically injure the President of the United States. And I think if you look at this communication, these seashells, it's just way too ambiguous. What does 86 mean? Yes, there have been instances in pop culture and elsewhere where people have used 86 to mean kill, but there have been plenty of other instances, apparently far more instances where it simply means to remove or to cross off a list. And that ambiguity is going to be a major problem for prosecutors because I will tell you, ambiguity is always the enemy of the prosecutors because you have to prove your case not just by 51% or 75%. You have to prove your case beyond a reasonable doubt. And I don't see any realistic way prosecutors are gonna be able to do that here.

[Megyn Kelly]

Mike Davis, attorney and former law clerk to Justice Gorsuch, as well as the founder of the Article 3 project, sees it differently.

[Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche]

James Comey is the former director of the FBI. He clearly knows that saying 86, 47 promoting that on Instagram is a clear threat. And we this was after the second assassination attempt against President Trump. James Comey did this. I think it was long past time for the Justice Department to step in.

[Megyn Kelly]

In September, a grand jury in Virginia indicting the former FBI director, accusing him of lying to Congress and obstructing a 2020 investigation tied to his testimony. That indictment dismissed in November after a judge ruled prosecutor Lindsey Halligan was improperly appointed. The DOJ is appealing that dismissal. Federal law enforcement executing a sweeping series of coordinated raids across Minnesota yesterday, part of an investigation into ongoing alleged fraud on a massive scale. Federal agents carrying out at least 22 court authorized search warrants fanning out across the Minneapolis area early in the morning. Roughly 20 child care centers among the targets, according to CBS News, along with other businesses tied to the Somali American community. Agents seen removing boxes of evidence from various businesses throughout the community. The DOJ confirming to Fox News the warrants are part of a larger fraud probe, not immigration enforcement as authorities focus on alleged abuse of taxpayer funded programs. Among the locations searched the Quality Leering Center, a Minneapolis daycare previously flagged in a viral investigation late last year by YouTuber Nick Shirley.

[Legal Analysts (Ellie Hoenig and Mike Davis)]

So this is Quality Learning Center. I meant to say Quality Learning Center. They spelled learning wrong.

[Megyn Kelly]

Shirley Visiting multiple Somali run childcare and health facilities, receiving public funds and raising questions about services being billed but not provided. The viral video drawing national attention. The raids marking the latest escalation in a sweeping federal probe into alleged abuse of taxpayer funded child care and social service programs since 2021. More than 90 people charged in Covid fraud schemes tied to federally funded programs including meal services and autism support. With dozens already convicted and losses estimated as high as $19 billion, the Trump administration now making fraud enforcement a central priority. With President Trump declaring a war on fraud during his February State of the Union, Vice President J.D. vance tapped last month to lead a federal task force. The VP writing yesterday on X quote the task force and the DOJ will be relentless in exposing these fraudsters wherever they may be hiding. No arrests were made yesterday in connection with the raids. Democrat Governor of Minnesota Tim Walsh, who dropped his re election campaign earlier this year amid heavy criticism of his inability to crack down on fraud. Taking credit for yesterday's operations, the governor posting to X quote today's raids by state and federal law enforcement happened because our state agencies caught irregular behavior and reported it. That's how the system is supposed to work and our agencies will keep at it as long as there are fraudsters around to put behind bars. FBI Director Kash Patel countering on X quote this FBI and DOJ with our DHS partners drafted and executed every search warrant today. But go ahead and take credit for our work while we smoke out the fraud plaguing Minnesota under your governorship. Coming up, a former top adviser to Dr. Anthony Fauci, indicted, accused of hiding Covid communications from investigators and King Charles III addresses Congress with a message focused on unity and shared history. What does it feel like when your clothes actually feel good this spring? Cozy Earth makes a strong case that what you wear at home matters just as much as what you wear outside of the house. Maybe more. Let me tell you about the brushed bamboo jogger set. Made from viscose from bamboo, it's lightweight, breathable and unbelievably soft with enough structure to feel put together even at home. And then there are their lakehouse clogs. Designed for everyday home life, they feature a cushioned footbed, ultra soft interior and easy slip on design. They are supportive enough to stand in all day, yet cozy enough to forget you are even wearing them. And with easy returns and a lifetime warranty, it's comfort worth upgrading to this spring. Give yourself the kind of comfort that lives with you all day, not just the moment you get home. Head to cozyearth.com use my code Megan for an exclusive 20% off. That's code Megan for an exclusive 20% OFF. And if you see a Post purchase survey mention that you heard about Cozy Earth right here on the MK Show, Dr. Anthony Fauci's former senior advisor at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases David Morins, indicted by the DOJ for allegedly using his personal email to Hide Communications about COVID 19 from investigators seeking records under the Freedom of Information act, or FOIA. 78 year old Morins charged with one count of conspiracy against the United States, two counts of destruction, alteration or falsification of records in federal investigations, and two counts of concealment, removal or mutilation of records. The indictment unsealed Monday by the District Court in Maryland, referencing two unnamed co conspirators also accused of concealing and destroying federal records to evade FOIA. The indictments suggesting the unnamed co conspirators are Dr. Peter Daszak, President of the New York based nonprofit Eco health alliance, and Dr. Gerald Koischee, a former associate director at Boston University and a National Institutes of Health or NIH grant recipient. In the early days of the pandemic, hundreds of FOIA requests pouring in, many seeking information about a 2014 NIH grant overseen by Morins that was awarded to EcoHealth alliance and then funneled to the Wuhan Institute of Virology for dangerous bat coronavirus research, the kind that tries to make a virus more lethal, ostensibly to then find a way to counteract it. The funding cut off in April 2020 after the NIH initiated a review into claims the pandemic may have originated in that Wuhan lab. According to the indictment, Morens and his associates used personal email accounts instead of official government ones to keep certain discussions, including about COVID research funding decisions and messaging about the virus's origin, hidden from records requests. The indictment alleging that on or about February 24, 2021, Morin's emailing his co conspirators quote, I learned from our FOIA lady here how to make emails disappear after I am FOIA but before the search starts, so I think we are all safe. Plus I deleted most of those earlier emails after sending them to Gmail. The indictment including many more examples of similar emails from this guy. Prosecutors also alleging Morin's illegally accepted gifts From Daszak in June 2020, Daszak delivering two bottles of wine to Morin's home, including this message quote, this is the first of what I hope will be a continued series of expressions of gratitude for your advice, support and behind the scenes shenanigans in my battle against your boss's boss, his boss and the ultimate boss on the Hill. Moren's later writing an email from his personal account to Daszak thanking him for the wine and adding, quote, now I am actually going to have to do something to deserve it. Shortly after that, the indictment alleges Morens submitted a paper to a, quote, prominent medical journal backing the theory that COVID 19, came from nature, not from a Wuhan lab or Ego Health alliance, was working with the Chinese on bat coronavirus research. Morens appearing before the House oversight committee in 2024, questioned by lawmakers about many of these emails. Here, an exchange with Congresswoman Jill Takuda, democrat from Hawaii. Dr. Moores, did you ever conduct government business through your personal email account? Not intentionally, and it's unintentionally or not. Did you conduct government business through your personal email account?

[King Charles III]

Well, some of the emails I've seen

[Megyn Kelly]

that you all have provided look pretty incriminating.

[King Charles III]

I don't know what they are, I don't remember them, but yes, it looks like I made a mistake on more than one occasion, but it certainly wasn't my intention to do that.

[Megyn Kelly]

The FBI investigation into Morin's a result of a criminal referral sent by the House Select Committee on the Coronavirus pandemic to the DOJ in 2024. Moren's appearing in court for the first time on Monday, a judge ordering his release pending trial on the condition that he turn over his passport by Wednesday and avoid all contact with his co conspirators. He is set to be arraigned sometime next week. If convicted on all charges, Morens could face up to 51 years in prison. King Charles III delivering a joint address to Congress yesterday, becoming only the second British monarch to do so, the first his late mother Queen Elizabeth II in 1991. The king in good humor, offering quite a few moments of levity.

[King Charles III]

This is a city which symbolizes a period in our shared history or what Charles Dickens might have called a tale of two Georges the first President George Washington and my five times great grandfather King George iii. King George, as you know, never set foot in America. And please rest assured ladies and gentlemen, I am not here as part of some cunning rear guard action. As Oscar Wilde said, we have really everything in common with America nowadays, except of course, language 250 years ago. Or as we say in the United Kingdom. Just the other day, the King and

[Megyn Kelly]

his wife Queen Camilla, in the middle of a four day state visit to America. Early in his remarks, Charles referencing the assassination attempt on President Trump and other Cabinet officials at Saturday's White House Correspondents Dinner in Washington.

[King Charles III]

We meet too in the aftermath of the incident not far from this great building that sought to harm the leadership of your nation and to ferment wider fear and discord. Let me say with unshakable resolve, such acts of violence will never succeed. Whatever our differences, whatever disagreements we may have, we stand united in our commitment to uphold democracy, to protect all our people from harm, and to salute the courage of those who daily risk their lives in the service of our countries.

[Megyn Kelly]

The King's remarks coming as President Trump clashes with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other NATO allies over their reluctance to back the US in its ongoing war with Iran. Against that backdrop, much of the King's speech focusing on the long shared history and deep bond between the US and

[King Charles III]

the UK the story of the United Kingdom and the United States is at its heart a story of reconciliation, renewal and remarkable partnership. From the Bitter Divisions of 250 years ago, we forged a friendship that has grown into one of the most consequential alliances in human history. I pray with all my heart that our alliance will continue to defend our shared values with our partners in Europe and and the Commonwealth and across the world and that we ignore the clarion calls to become ever more inward looking.

[Megyn Kelly]

Last night President Trump and the first lady hosting a state dinner in honor of the King and Queen.

[King Charles III]

I want to congratulate Charles on having made a fantastic speech today at Congress. He got the Democrats to stand. I've never been able to do this.

[Megyn Kelly]

And that'll do it. For your AM Update. I'm Megan Kelly. Join me back here for the MK show live on SiriusXM's the Megan Kelly Channel 111 at noon east on YouTube.com Megan Kelly and on all podcast platforms.

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[Megyn Kelly]

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