Federal authorities opened an investigation after someone burned or carved the numbers “86 47” into grass on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, with the White House characterizing the message as a threat against President Donald Trump.
The phrase “86 47” has circulated among Trump critics as slang referencing the removal or killing of someone. U.S. Park Police said grass samples were collected for testing to determine how the message was created.
What Happened
The vandalism appeared as deliberately burned or discolored grass on the National Mall’s grounds. The exact method used to create the message and the identity of the person responsible remain unknown.
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.”
Historical Context
The phrase gained attention last year when fired FBI Director James B. Comey posted an Instagram photo of seashells on a North Carolina beach arranged to form “86 47.” The U.S. Secret Service launched an inquiry following the post.
Comey explained he simply photographed an arrangement he noticed while walking, but the explanation drew skepticism from Republican lawmakers. Ohio GOP Rep. Jim Jordan argued on Fox News that the post violated federal law prohibiting threats against the president.
“It’s a crime to threaten the president under 18 USC Section 871,” Jordan said, rejecting Comey’s account as implausible.
Legal Developments
The Justice Department brought charges against Comey following a year-long investigation, with U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan assigned to preside over the case. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told Fox News the indictment extended beyond the Instagram post alone.
“Every case requires an investigation, and what you just showed is one part of that investigation,” Blanche said, indicating that career prosecutors and federal agents examined additional evidence before the indictment was issued.
This story has been updated. CNN’s reporting team contributed to this report.
