Markings that appear to show "86 47" seen on National Mall
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Markings resembling the numbers "86 47" appeared on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., visible from the Washington Monument.
- The origin and creator of the markings remain unclear, with federal authorities investigating.
- The numbers have gained notoriety due to their association with slang meaning "get rid of" and a political message interpretation involving President Trump.
Mysterious markings that appear to spell out "86 47" were spotted on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on Thursday. Photos taken from the top of the Washington Monument revealed the faint numbers traced in the grass, with the World War II Memorial visible in the background. The "8" was the most distinct, while the other numbers were less clear. Federal authorities arrived to investigate the incident shortly after a Reuters photographer observed the markings. The exact method and perpetrator behind the markings are currently unknown. The numbers "86 47" have recently drawn significant attention. "86" is widely recognized as slang for "throw out" or "get rid of," a term common in culinary settings. Its public profile increased when former FBI Director James Comey shared an Instagram post featuring seashells arranged to form "86 47." Comey later deleted the post, stating he believed it conveyed a political message and was unaware of its violent connotations. He was subsequently charged with making threats against President Trump, who is the 47th president. Trump himself has interpreted "86" paired with "47" as a threat to "kill President Trump," referencing it as a "mob term" on social media. The National Mall, a significant public space stretching between the Lincoln Memorial and the U.S. Capitol, is preparing to host events for the nation's 250th anniversary.
EIGHT MILES OUT, SIX FEET DOWN!
Originally published by CBS News. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.