Authorities are investigating vandalism at the National Mall after the phrase “86 47” was found burned or carved into a grassy area near the White House. The United States Park Police collected grass samples and launched an investigation to determine who was responsible.
The phrase has drawn attention because some interpret “86 47” as a reference to removing or harming the 47th president, Donald Trump. White House spokesman Davis Ingle condemned the act, stating that political violence and assassination rhetoric should be strongly rejected.
The phrase previously sparked controversy when former FBI Director James B. Comey posted an image of seashells arranged as “86 47” on social media. The post prompted an inquiry by the United States Secret Service and criticism from Jim Jordan, who argued the message carried a threatening meaning.
Jordan later linked the controversy to broader criticisms of Comey and ongoing legal proceedings involving the former FBI director. Meanwhile, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that any recent indictment of Comey resulted from a lengthy investigation and involved more evidence than the social media post alone.
The investigation into the National Mall vandalism remains ongoing, and officials have not yet identified those responsible.
