Federal authorities are investigating after large markings displaying the numbers “8647” appeared in the grass on the National Mall, days before major events are expected to draw large crowds to the nation’s capital.
The numbers were visible Thursday in an area east of the World War II Memorial. Images from the National Mall showed the figures appearing in discolored or dead grass across a large section of the grounds.
The U.S. Park Police said the markings were discovered before noon Thursday and that an investigation is underway.
“The cause of the discoloration has not yet been determined,” the agency said, per NBC News. “Grass samples have been collected for testing. The investigation is ongoing.”
Live webcam footage from the Washington Monument and EarthCam images appeared to show the numbers gradually emerging over several days. Photos taken on June 5 did not show the markings.
Authorities have not determined how the discoloration occurred. Investigators are examining the area and testing samples collected from the site.
The Secret Service and FBI referred questions to the U.S. Park Police, which is leading the investigation. A law enforcement source said the Secret Service will work with Park Police if a suspect is identified.
An Interior Department spokesperson condemned the incident, calling it “deranged” vandalism.
“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 spokesperson said, per CNN.
The numbers appear shortly before a UFC event scheduled near the White House on Sunday, which coincides with President Donald Trump’s birthday. Additional events connected to the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebrations are also expected to bring increased security and large crowds to Washington this summer.
White House spokesperson Davis Ingle criticized the display, saying, per NBC, “Anyone who engages in or endorses political violence or assassination culture must be condemned in the harshest terms possible. 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 meaning of the numbers has been the subject of public debate. The number “47” is commonly used as a reference to Trump as the 47th President, while “86” is often used as slang for removing, rejecting, or getting rid of something.
Earlier this month, a federal judge ruled in a separate case that the numbers “8647” by themselves constitute protected free speech and do not amount to a threat.
Retired FBI agent Richard Kolko said investigators will need to determine whether there was intent behind the display and how it was created.
“One of the things investigators and prosecutors will have to take a look at is, is there some intent, capability,” Kolko said, per Fox 5.
He added that authorities will likely review surveillance footage, interview witnesses, and conduct forensic testing as part of the investigation.
“If you look at the photographs it looks planned out, it wasn’t spur of the moment to do this,” Kolko said.
Officials said several emergency vehicles were seen near the area Thursday afternoon while authorities responded. The investigation remains ongoing.
