STATEMENT OF MEANING,
PURPOSE & LAWFUL EXPRESSION

01 / MEANING AND INTENDED USE OF “86”

The expression “86” has a longstanding history in American slang, particularly in the restaurant and hospitality industries, where it has been used to indicate that an item is unavailable, a person is refused service, or something is to be removed or discontinued.

The expression has acquired additional meanings in certain contexts, including an association with violence.

86 EVERYBODY expressly adopts the nonviolent meaning of the term: removal from positions of public trust, rejection of misconduct, institutional accountability, and lawful demands for reform.

The name does not constitute an endorsement of physical violence, threats, intimidation, or unlawful action against any individual.

“EVERYBODY” reflects the commitment to applying consistent standards of accountability regardless of position, authority, institutional affiliation, or political beliefs.

02 / POLITICAL EXPRESSION AND THE JAMES COMEY EXAMPLE

In May 2025, former Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey published an Instagram photograph depicting seashells arranged to form the numbers “86 47.”

The image generated public controversy concerning the interpretation of “86,” particularly when paired with the number identifying the 47th President of the United States.

Comey subsequently removed the post and stated that he understood it as a political message and did not intend to advocate violence.

Federal authorities interpreted the communication differently. In April 2026, Comey was indicted on charges relating to alleged threats against the President. Comey disputes the allegations. The prosecution was reported as pending in October 2026.

The controversy illustrates that the meaning of political expression may be disputed and that interpretation depends on context, circumstances, and applicable law.

86 EVERYBODY does not assert that the Comey controversy establishes binding legal precedent or that every use of “86” is constitutionally protected.

03 / PURPOSE OF THE PUBLICATION

86 EVERYBODY is an independently developed public-interest reporting and government-accountability initiative.

Its intended activities include receiving and examining firsthand accounts, analyzing public records, publishing documented allegations, and reporting developments involving government institutions and public officials.

The publication does not exercise governmental authority, make binding determinations of legal liability, or substitute its reporting for judicial or administrative proceedings.

Publication of an allegation does not constitute a finding that the allegation is true.

04 / LAWFUL EXPRESSION AND PROHIBITED CONDUCT

86 EVERYBODY supports lawful criticism of government institutions, public officials, policies, and official conduct.

The publication does not encourage, authorize, or endorse violence, unlawful threats, stalking, targeted harassment, or retaliation.

No statement published by 86 EVERYBODY should be construed as a request or instruction to physically harm any person.

Contributors and readers are expected to engage through lawful means, including public discussion, documentary reporting, administrative processes, judicial proceedings, and other protected civic activities.

05 / CONTRIBUTOR RESPONSIBILITY AND EDITORIAL STANDARDS

Contributors may be required to verify their identities and electronically attest that submitted information is accurate to the best of their knowledge and belief.

Such attestations do not independently establish the truth of submitted allegations.

86 EVERYBODY intends to distinguish allegations from established facts, identify material uncertainties, provide appropriate opportunities for response, and publish corrections or updates when warranted.

The publication reserves editorial discretion to decline, withhold, correct, restrict, or remove content in accordance with applicable law and its editorial policies.

06 / INDEPENDENCE AND RESERVATION OF RIGHTS

86 EVERYBODY is an independent initiative created and developed by David Brian Avis.

It is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the United States Government, Department of Defense, Defense Information Systems Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation, or any other government institution.

References to public officials, agencies, legal proceedings, or historical controversies are provided for public-interest reporting, commentary, analysis, and explanation.

Nothing in this statement is intended to waive any rights or protections available under applicable law.