Federal officials have committed to pursuing the arrest and prosecution of an individual who defaced a section of grass on the National Mall. The act featured the numbers “8647,” seemingly in reference to President Donald Trump.
The Department of Interior has initiated an investigation into the incident. “The deranged vandalism on our National Mall will not be tolerated,” officials stated. “We take any threat against the President seriously. Our U.S. Park Police will investigate this incident and ensure accountability.”
U.S. Park Police reported the vandalism at the Washington Monument’s west lawn around 11:30 a.m. The agency noted, “The numbers ‘8647’ were marked in the grass.” The cause of the discoloration remains unidentified, with grass samples collected for testing. The investigation is ongoing.
Images of the vandalism were shared online, showing three of the digits clearly, although the “4” was less distinct.
This occurrence happened just before large crowds were expected in Washington for a UFC event coinciding with President Trump’s 80th birthday. The numbers “8647” have been used publicly by critics, including former FBI Director James Comey. Comey was indicted in April by the Department of Justice for posting a photo featuring “8647” in seashells on a beach.
“Threatening the life of the President of the United States is a grave violation of our nation’s laws,” said acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche in April. “The grand jury returned an indictment against James Comey for alleged threats at a time of violent incitement against President Trump and other officials. Accountability is assured for those escalating threats against the President.”
Trump administration officials, including FBI Director Kash Patel, accused Comey of promoting a threat by circulating “86,” a term that typically means to remove something. Comey, a noted critic of the 47th president, has deleted the post and claimed ignorance of any violent associations.
Comey, 65, has been charged with threatening the president and transmitting a threat in interstate commerce. He faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted. Comey maintains his innocence, with a trial set for October.
Furthermore, a federal judge decided last week that the National Park Service cannot prevent protesters from displaying an “86-47” flag near the National Mall. U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss ruled the symbol could not reasonably be interpreted as a call for political violence. The ruling, applied to a courthouse location where the flag initially appeared in May, restricts NPS officials from removing the banner for 14 days under a temporary restraining order.