Federal authorities opened an investigation Thursday after someone burned or carved the numbers “86 47” into grass on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., prompting the White House to characterize the message as a threat against President Donald Trump.
The phrase “86 47” has circulated among some Trump critics as slang referring to removing or eliminating someone. U.S. Park Police said grass samples were collected for testing to determine how the message was created.
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 incident marks another flashpoint in ongoing debate over the phrase’s meaning and usage.
The Comey Connection
The investigation comes amid heightened scrutiny of the phrase following former FBI Director James B. Comey’s Instagram post last year. Comey shared a photo of seashells arranged to form “86 47” on a North Carolina beach, which prompted a U.S. Secret Service inquiry.
Republican Rep. Jim Jordan criticized Comey’s explanation that the image captured a natural beach formation, saying, “It’s a crime to threaten the president.” Comey said he simply noticed the pattern while walking and took a photo.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told Fox News that Comey’s indictment resulted from extensive investigation beyond the Instagram post. “Every case requires an investigation,” Blanche said, noting that career prosecutors and agents examined multiple aspects of the matter.
Legal Proceedings
U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan of the Eastern District of North Carolina was assigned to oversee Comey’s case after the Justice Department issued new charges last month. Flanagan was appointed by former President George W. Bush.
This story has been updated. CNN’s Digital team contributed to this report.
