Yesterday, a person or persons unknown sent a message to Donald Trump in a manner I think is reminiscent of one Bartholomew J. Simpson as, on the lawn of the National Monument, a huge “8647” has been etched into the grass.
The “8” is clearly visible, though whatever method was used to discolor the rest of the grass wasn’t wholly effective, as the “647” is fainter but still there if you look closely. As the US Park police explained:
“At approximately 11.30am, US Park police responded to a report of vandalism of the west lawn of the Washington Monument. The numbers ‘8647’ were marked in the grass. The cause of the discoloration has not yet been determined. Grass samples have been collected for testing. The investigation is ongoing.”
This number combination has become notorious in the second Trump administration, as it’s claimed to “86” someone means to kill them, and that “47” refers to Donald Trump, the 47th president.
US authorities were responding to what appeared to be a large tracing of '8647' into the grounds of the National Mall in Washington, DC. A Reuters photographer atop the Washington Monument saw the apparent tracing shortly before officials arrived https://t.co/L5L44zzOV3
— Reuters (@Reuters) June 11, 2026
Former FBI Director James Comey posted an image of seashells arranged to form these figures in May 2025, and in April 2026, prosecutors confirmed he is being charged with threatening Trump’s life.
“Deranged vandalism”
Consequently, federal authorities are taking this lawn-based message extremely seriously. A US Department of Interior spokesperson dubbed it “deranged vandalism” and said, “Any threat against the president is taken very seriously by the department, and our US Park police will investigate this incident and hold those responsible accountable.”
This message comes as the National Mall prepares to be in the spotlight as part of the United States’ 250th anniversary, with the Mall hosting a series of events known as the “Great America State Fair”.
Regardless, whoever’s responsible may face severe punishment. This kind of vandalism may fall under a felony charge of Destruction of Government Property and, given the nature of the message and the ongoing Comey prosecution, could be construed as a threat against the president’s life.
As of writing, the message is still visible on the live National Mall webcam. The federal investigation is underway into this “prank”, so we await further details from authorities as they pore over video footage of the area to try and identify who did it.
