▲ The '8647' message visible on the National Mall lawn
Authorities have launched an investigation after a large sign reading '8647,' a slogan opposing President Donald Trump, was discovered on the lawn of the National Mall in the heart of Washington, D.C.
According to foreign media outlets including CNN on June 11 (local time), a webcam video taken from the top of the Washington Monument captured the number '8647' formed by dead grass on a large section of the National Mall's lawn.
The released footage shows the grass discoloring over several days as the numbers gradually became visible.
While it is unclear when the markings first appeared, CNN reported that the numbers were not visible in photos taken on June 5.
The U.S. Park Police, which manages the site, stated that the cause of the grass discoloration has not yet been determined and that they are currently analyzing collected samples.
'8647' is known as a symbolic expression of opposition to President Trump.
In the U.S. restaurant industry, '86' is slang used to mean "remove" or "get rid of" an order or customer, and '47' is interpreted as a reference to Trump, the 47th President of the United States.
The '8647' marking on the National Mall has drawn further attention as it was discovered ahead of large-scale events scheduled in the Washington area to mark President Trump's birthday on June 14.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of the Interior condemned the marking as a "senseless act of vandalism," stating that it "will not be tolerated."
The spokesperson added, "We take any threat against the President very seriously," and noted that "the U.S. Park Police is investigating this incident and will hold those responsible accountable."
The Trump administration has interpreted the number not merely as a political slogan, but as a threat against the President.
In fact, in April, former FBI Director James Comey was indicted on charges of threatening the President after posting a photo on social media of '8647' spelled out with seashells.
Davis Engle of the White House Press Office told CNN, "Anyone who promotes or encourages political violence or assassination should be condemned in the strongest possible terms."
(Photo: Getty Images)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.