U.S. Park Police are investigating an act of vandalism on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., where the phrase “86 47” was carved or burned into a grassy area Thursday.
The White House is treating the message as a potential threat against President Donald Trump. The slang term “86” is commonly understood to mean “get rid of” or eliminate someone, and the combination “86 47” — referencing Trump as the 47th president — has circulated among his critics.
Footage of the discolored grass spread rapidly online. Authorities have collected grass samples for testing to determine how the marking was made. It remains unclear who is responsible.
White House Spokesman Davis Ingle strongly condemned the incident. “Anyone who engages in or endorses political violence or assassination culture must be condemned in the harshest terms possible,” Ingle said.
The phrase gained renewed attention after former FBI Director James B. Comey posted an Instagram photo last year showing seashells arranged to form “86 47” on a North Carolina beach. Comey later deleted the post and described it as a random discovery while walking. The U.S. Secret Service investigated at the time.
Last month, Ohio Republican Rep. Jim Jordan criticized Comey during a Fox News interview, calling the post a clear threat. “It’s a crime to threaten the president — 18 USC Section 871,” Jordan said, rejecting Comey’s explanation. Jordan linked the controversy to broader criticisms of Comey’s past actions in the Trump-Russia investigation.
A federal judge, Louise W. Flanagan of the Eastern District of North Carolina, has been assigned to preside over new charges against Comey filed by the Justice Department. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized that the indictment stems from a year-long investigation involving multiple elements beyond the Instagram post.
U.S. Park Police continue their probe into the National Mall incident. No arrests have been reported.
This story is developing.
