Federal authorities examine suspected vandalism near Trump event site

The U.S. Park Police has launched an investigation into what authorities described as vandalism after the numbers “86” and “47” were found marked in the grass on the National Mall, Washington, near the site of President Donald Trump’s UFC Freedom 250 event scheduled for this weekend.

Images captured by EarthCam indicate that the markings have been visible since at least Wednesday afternoon. The number “8” appeared most distinctly, with sections of grass visibly browned. Officials said it remains unclear what caused the discolouration.

The phrase “86 47” has drawn heightened attention in recent weeks following the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey. Prosecutors charged Comey over a social media post featuring seashells arranged to form “86 47,” alleging it constituted a threat against Trump, the 47th president of the United States. Comey has denied any intent to incite violence.

In a statement to ABC News, the Interior Department confirmed that the U.S. Park Police is actively investigating the incident.

“The deranged vandalism on our National Mall will not be tolerated. 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,” the Interior Department said in a statement.

The U.S. Secret Service referred inquiries to the Park Police, which said the cause of the grass discolouration has not yet been determined. Samples from the affected area have been collected for testing.

By Thursday afternoon, June 11, National Park Service personnel were seen cordoning off the area, while National Guard members directed visitors away from the site. Officials later reinforced the perimeter as the investigation continued.

By Tamilla Hasanova