Vandalism on the National Mall Sparks Federal Investigation

Federal officials committed to arresting and prosecuting an individual who vandalized a section of the National Mall with the numbers ‘8647,’ seemingly alluding to President Donald Trump. Department of Interior officials confirmed an investigation has started.

“The deranged vandalism on our National Mall will not be tolerated,” department officials stated. “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.”

U.S. Park Police reported the vandalism occurred on the west lawn of the Washington Monument around 11:30 a.m., where the numbers ‘8647’ were marked in the grass. The cause of the discoloration is under investigation, with grass samples collected for testing. The investigation continues.

Photos online displayed the numbers, although the ‘4’ was not clearly defined. This reference to Trump appeared shortly before large crowds are expected in Washington for a UFC event on Sunday, coinciding with the president’s 80th birthday.

The numbers ‘8647’ have been mentioned by critics, including former FBI Director James Comey. Comey was indicted by the Department of Justice in April after posting a photo of ‘8647’ in seashells on a beach, a post he later deleted.

“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 a statement in April. “The grand jury returned an indictment alleging James Comey did just that, at a time when this country has witnessed violent incitement followed by deadly actions against President Trump and other elected officials. The temperature needs to be turned down, and anyone who dials it up and threatens the life of the President will be held accountable.”

Other Trump administration officials, such as FBI Director Kash Patel, claimed Comey’s actions “disgracefully encouraged” the threat by spreading the term ’86,’ often meaning to get rid of something. Comey, a critic of President Trump, has denied wrongdoing as he awaits his trial scheduled for October.

In related legal matters, a federal judge recently ruled that the National Park Service cannot prohibit protesters from displaying an ’86-47′ flag near the National Mall. U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss determined the symbol could not reasonably be viewed as inciting political violence, imposing a 14-day restriction on removing the banner under a temporary restraining order.