(The Center Square) – Former FBI Director James Comey sparked a firestorm of criticism this week when he posted a picture online calling to “86” President Donald Trump.

Now, Trump has responded, calling Comey a “dirty cop.”

Trump’s comments come after Comey posted a picture on social media of shells on the beach spelling out “86 47,” which many quickly said was a call to violence against the 47th president, who narrowly avoided death by assassination one year ago. The phrase 86 is most commonly known for removing or eliminating something from the menu in a restaurant when you run out of that specific item.

“He knew exactly what that meant,” Trump told Fox News’ Bret Baer in an interview when asked about Comey’s post. “A child knows what that meant. If you’re the FBI director, and you don’t know what that meant… That meant 'assassination,' and it says it loud and clear. He wasn’t very competent, but he was competent enough to know what that meant. He did it for a reason, and he was hit so hard because people like me. They like what’s happening with our country.”

“He is a dirty cop,” Trump added.

Trump said he didn’t want to take a position on what would happen to Comey and that it would be up to Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Comey later took the post down, saying he did not intend it as a call for violence.

"It never occurred to me but I oppose violence of any kind," Comey wrote on Instagram.

Top Trump law enforcement officials responded quickly to Comey’s tweet, with varying tones.

“Disgraced former FBI Director James Comey just called for the assassination of @POTUS Trump,” Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem wrote on X. “DHS and Secret Service is investigating this threat and will respond appropriately.”

FBI Director Kash Patel said the FBI will support the investigation as well.

“We are aware of the recent social media post by former FBI Director James Comey, directed at President Trump,” Patel wrote on X. “We are in communication with the Secret Service and Director Curran. Primary jurisdiction is with SS on these matters and we, the FBI, will provide all necessary support.”

Comey saw his share of defenders and critics in the aftermath of his post. His defenders pointed out he took the post down and say his comments were not referencing violence.

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard told Fox News’ Jesse Watters that Comey should be arrested for the post.

“Just James Comey causally calling for my dad to be murdered,” Donald Trump Jr. wrote on X. “This is who the Dem-Media worships. Demented!!!!”

Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., said he sent a letter to the Secret Service and FBI leadership calling for a joint investigation into Comey for the post.

“The letter requests a formal inquiry into possible violations of federal law, including 18 U.S.C. § 871 – threats against the President” as well as “18 U.S.C. § 875 – interstate communications containing threats.”