A large etching of what appears to be the numbers “8647” has appeared on the National Mall between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool, situated in the area across the street from the White House.
The numbers eight, six, and seven are clearly visible in a photo taken by Reuters from the Washington Monument. The live, aerial-viewpoint camera from the top of the monument also shows the numbers etched into the grounds.
“At approximately 11:30 a.m., U.S. Park Police responded to a report of vandalism of the west lawn of the Washington Monument,” a U.S. Park Police spokesman told the Washington Examiner. “The numbers “8647” were marked in the grass. The cause of the discoloration has not yet been determined. Grass samples have been collected for testing. The investigation is ongoing.”
The term “86,” according to Merriam-Webster, means “to throw out,” “to get rid of,” or “to refuse service to,” but had its roots in 1930s restaurant industry slang, meaning something was “nixed” or sold out. President Donald Trump is the 45th and 47th president of the United States.
The phrase “8647” has become a flashpoint under Trump’s second administration after former FBI Director James Comey posted an image of seashells on a beach forming the phrase “86 47” in May 2025. Some pundits have argued that the term called for violence against Trump and was a call “to get rid of” him, though Comey has denied it was a call to violence. The term has since become popular on the Left. The Department of Justice released an indictment of Comey over the incident.
“The deranged vandalism on our National Mall will not be tolerated. Any threat against the President is taken very seriously by the Department, and our U.S. Park Police will investigate this incident and hold those responsible accountable,” a Department of the Interior spokesperson told the Washington Examiner.
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The area of the National Mall where the numbers are etched is right across Constitution Avenue NW from the White House. It was not immediately clear when the numbers appeared on the lawn. Federal authorities are responding to the scene, with images showing U.S. Park Police on the scene.
The incident comes just ahead of Trump’s 80th birthday on Sunday, when the UFC fight on the White House lawn is scheduled. It also comes ahead of the multitude of celebrations scheduled to take place on the National Mall for America’s 250th birthday celebrations this summer. The Great American State Fair on the mall is set to begin on June 24.
