US authorities on Thursday were investigating what appears to be a large drawing with the numbers “8647” on the lawn of the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
A Reuters photographer at the top of the Washington Monument spotted the drawing in the grass near the World War II Memorial shortly before authorities arrived. It shows the numbers eight, six and seven, but the four is not clearly defined.
US Park Police and members of the National Guard were on scene.
The term “8647” was adopted by opponents of President Donald Trump as a protest against his government. Trump allies and the US Department of Justice said it could be interpreted as an incitement to violence.
The numerical sequence refers to the slang term “86”, originating in the restaurant industry, which means to expel or get rid of something, and to Trump as the 47th president of the USA.
It was not clear how the marks in the grass were made. In these areas, the grass is brown, in contrast to the green surroundings.
Spokespeople for the U.S. National Park Service and Park Police did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The White House also did not immediately respond.
The incident comes as the National Mall is about to host events commemorating the 250th anniversary of US independence in the coming weeks. Trump devoted personal attention to renovating the space, including painting the reflecting pool near the Lincoln Memorial.
The term “8647” is at the center of at least one high-profile criminal case. Federal prosecutors accused former FBI director James Comey of threatening to assassinate Trump based on a photo he posted on social media in 2025, showing shells on the beach in an arrangement forming the numbers “8647.”
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Comey took down the post and said he was unaware it could be interpreted as an incitement to violence. He promised to contest the accusations, including on the grounds of freedom of expression.
