The National Park Service is investigating the vandalism of the National Mall’s reflecting pool after what many believe to be a threatening message was discovered.
“Around 7:20 a.m. this morning, the U.S. Park Police was notified by the National Park Service of approximately 15-by-30-foot ‘8647’ graffiti spray-painted in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool,” a NPS spokesperson told the Washington Examiner.
Police said the vandalism is “unacceptable and will not be tolerated on federal lands,” and added that the “affected area has been secured and covered while cleanup is arranged.” The agency further stated that an “active investigation is underway, and those responsible will be identified and held fully accountable.”
Independent reporter Andrew Leyden shared the police activity on X. “Two areas of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool are covered by tarps this morning, and US Park Police are on scene talking to workers and apparently looking for evidence,” he posted. “Unknown what happened, but the construction site has reportedly had some graffiti over the last few days, and the ‘Thank You Trump’ banners have been removed.”
The vandalism comes as Former FBI Director James Comey has been indicted for a second time surrounding a post he made last year featuring seashells arranged to read “86 47.” The phrase is believed to mean removing President Trump. “86” often refers to removing or getting rid of something, while “47” is seen as a direct reference to President Trump.
The “86 47” phrase was also used by Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA) in response to the DOJ’s indictment against Comey.
