FEDERAL cops have launched a hunt for anti-Trump vandals after giant “86 47” numbers were burned into grass on the National Mall near the White House.
The mysterious markings saw police, firefighters and National Guard personnel rushing to the scene on Thursday as officials branded the stunt a potential threat against President Donald Trump.
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The numbers “8647” are shown in the grass on the National Mall Credit: Getty
Cops and other emergency services were called to the scene on Thursday Credit: Getty
The huge numerals appeared on the west lawn of the Washington Monument grounds, close to the World War II Memorial, and were only fully visible from high above.
Photos showed the digits “8”, “6” and “7” clearly etched into the grass, while the “4” appeared less defined.
The phrase “86 47” has become a rallying cry among some Trump critics.
While “86” is commonly used as slang for getting rid of something, Trump allies have argued it can also be interpreted as a call for violence.
Because Trump is America’s 47th president, the combination has repeatedly triggered concern among administration officials.
Authorities cordoned off the area as officers wearing gloves collected grass samples for testing.
A Park Service helicopter circled overhead while investigators examined the discolored patches.
The Department of the Interior confirmed a probe is now underway and vowed those responsible would face justice.
“The deranged vandalism on our National Mall will not be tolerated,” department officials said.
“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 said they were called to reports of vandalism at around 11.30am.
“The numbers ‘8647’ were marked in the grass,” the agency said.
The arrangement of the numbers was clearly an attempt to show 8647, though the 4 was not fully formed Credit: Reuters
The numbers have been adopted by critics of President Donald Trump’s administration, serving as a form of protest Credit: AFP
“The cause of the discoloration has not yet been determined. Grass samples have been collected for testing. The investigation is ongoing.”
The White House blasted the incident in the strongest terms.
“Anyone who engages in or endorses political violence or assassination culture must be condemned in the harshest terms possible,” spokesman Davis Ingle said.
“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.”
The vandalism comes after former FBI Director James Comey was indicted over a social media post showing the numbers “86 47” arranged in seashells on a beach, according to the Washington Post.
Comey later deleted the post and insisted he had no violent intent, saying he did not realize some people associated the phrase with violence.
He has denied wrongdoing and is due to stand trial in October.
The latest incident is not the first appearance of the controversial slogan in the nation’s capital.
National Park Service officials previously reported that “8647” had been spray-painted at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool during renovation work earlier this year.
The markings also appeared days before Washington is expected to host huge crowds for events linked to Trump’s 80th birthday celebrations this weekend.
Officials have not said how the grass was damaged or whether the act was carried out using chemicals, heat or another method.
No arrests have been made.
Park Police is handling the investigation into the markings in the grass Credit: Reuters
