Federal authorities are investigating after the phrase “86 47” was burned or carved into grass on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, with the White House characterizing it as a threat against President Donald Trump.
The U.S. Park Police discovered the marking in a grassy area and said grass samples have been collected for testing. The phrase, used in slang to reference removing or eliminating someone, appeared deliberately burned or discolored.
White House Response
White House Spokesman Davis Ingle condemned the act, stating, “Anyone who engages in or endorses political violence or assassination culture must be condemned in the harshest terms possible.”
The Trump administration has not disclosed details about when or how the vandalism will be removed from the National Mall property.
Broader Context
The phrase “86 47” has circulated among Trump critics online, drawing scrutiny from Republican officials. Former FBI Director James B. Comey posted a photo to Instagram last year showing seashells arranged in those numbers on a North Carolina beach, triggering a U.S. Secret Service inquiry.
Ohio GOP Rep. Jim Jordan accused Comey of threatening the president during a Fox News interview, arguing that Comey’s explanation-that he simply photographed a natural beach formation-was implausible. “It’s a crime to threaten the president,” Jordan said, citing federal statute 18 USC Section 871.
Comey’s Legal Situation
The Justice Department brought new charges against Comey late last month, with U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan assigned to the case. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche indicated the indictment resulted from a year-long investigation extending beyond the Instagram post.
“Rest assured that the career Assistant United States Attorneys in North Carolina, the career FBI agents, the career Secret Service agents that investigated this case didn’t just look at the Instagram post and walk away,” Blanche told Fox News.
This story has been updated. CNN’s Digital team contributed to this report.
