Key facts
- A large '8647' marking was found etched into the grass on the National Mall.
- The marking is interpreted as a threat against President Donald Trump.
- US Park Police are investigating the incident.
- The Department of the Interior condemned the act as 'deranged vandalism'.
- Grass samples were collected to determine the cause of discoloration.
US federal authorities are investigating a large etching of "8647" into the grass on the National Mall, which appeared days before President Donald Trump's birthday and an upcoming UFC match. The marking, visible from the Washington Monument webcam, is located east of the World War II Memorial. The numbers "8647" have become a reference for opposition to Trump, with "86" commonly used in the food and beverage industry to signify removal or unavailability, and "47" referring to his presidential number. Emergency vehicles blocked off the area on Thursday. A spokesperson for the Department of the Interior described the incident as “deranged vandalism” and said it “will not be tolerated.” The spokesperson added that any threat against the president is taken very seriously and that US Park Police will investigate to hold those responsible accountable. Park Police confirmed that grass samples were collected to determine the cause of the discoloration. Trump has previously interpreted similar number references as threats, including a social media post by former FBI Director James Comey.