US authorities probe '8647' numbers marked on National Mall grass
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- U.S. authorities are investigating large numbers marked in the grass of the National Mall, appearing days before President Trump's birthday.
- The numbers '8647' are linked to a criminal case against former FBI Director James Comey, who denies any violent intent.
- An Interior Department spokesperson condemned the act as 'deranged vandalism,' vowing accountability.
Large numbers, "8647," have appeared in the grass of Washington D.C.'s National Mall, prompting an investigation by U.S. authorities. The appearance of the numbers, which are linked to a criminal case against former FBI Director James Comey, occurred just days before President Donald Trump's birthday.
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.
Images show the numbers clearly visible in the browned grass. The phrase "86 47" is associated with a social media post by Comey involving seashells arranged in a numerical sequence. Officials alleged this constituted a threat against Trump, though Comey has denied wishing any violence.
An Interior Department spokesperson labeled the incident "deranged vandalism," stating that any threat against the president is taken seriously and that U.S. Park Police will investigate. White House spokesperson Davis Ingle condemned "political violence or assassination culture" and suggested those who endorse it have "Trump Derangement Syndrome."
Anyone who engages in or endorses political violence or assassination culture must be condemned in the harshest terms possible. They should also immediately seek psychiatric help to treat their severe and debilitating case of Trump Derangement Syndrome that has warped their brains and made them sick in the head.
National Park Service workers cordoned off the area where the numbers were marked. It remains unclear how or when the numbers were placed in the ground. Comey had previously deleted his post, stating he did not realize the numbers could be associated with violence and that he opposes it. The Secret Service had interviewed Comey after Trump administration officials claimed he was advocating for the assassination of the 47th president.
I didnโt realize some folks associate those numbers with violence. I oppose violence of any kind so I took the post down.
Originally published by Global News in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.