Someone vandalized part of the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on Thursday by marking the phrase “86 47” into a grassy area, apparently by burning or otherwise discoloring the grass. The message quickly spread across social media, prompting an investigation by the U.S. Park Police, which confirmed that grass samples had been collected for testing to determine how the damage was caused.
The White House condemned the incident, arguing that the phrase “86 47” represents a threat against President Donald Trump. White House spokesman Davis Ingle said anyone who engages in or promotes political violence or assassination-related rhetoric should be condemned in the strongest possible terms.
The phrase “86 47” has been at the center of political controversy in recent months. Critics of President Trump have used it in various contexts, while supporters argue it carries a threatening meaning. The issue gained national attention after former FBI Director James Comey shared an Instagram photo showing seashells arranged to form the numbers “86 47.” Although Comey said he simply noticed the shells while walking on a beach and did not intend to send a message, the post sparked a Secret Service inquiry.
Last month, Rep. Jim Jordan criticized Comey during an interview on Fox News, arguing that the former FBI director’s explanation was not credible. Jordan cited 18 U.S.C. § 871, which prohibits threats against the president, and claimed the social media post violated the law. He also linked the controversy to Comey’s role in launching the Trump-Russia investigation, describing it as the beginning of years of political attacks against Trump.
Meanwhile, the Justice Department has brought new charges against Comey following a year-long investigation. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan of the Eastern District of North Carolina. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the indictment was based on far more than the Instagram image, emphasizing that career FBI agents, Secret Service investigators, and federal prosecutors conducted an extensive investigation before presenting evidence to a grand jury. Blanche declined to discuss specific evidence but stressed that the case was not built solely on the controversial social media post.
