US police are investigating a large imprint of the numbers 8-6-4-7 that were apparently drawn in the grass of the National Mall in Washington DC. “Eighty-six” is a slang term for “get rid of”, and Trump administration officials claim that the numbers are meant to encourage violence against Trump, the 47th president.
US Park Police “responded to a report of vandalism” at around 11:30ET (16:30GMT) on Thursday morning, the agency said in a statement.
“The cause of the discoloration has not yet been determined. Grass samples have been collected for testing. The investigation is ongoing.”
Images of the grass show the numbers 8, 6 and 7, but the number 4 is not clearly visible.
The investigation comes as US prosecutors attempt to jail the former director of the FBI for a social media post in which the numbers were seen written on a beach in sea shells.
James Comey is facing multiple charges related to an alleged threat to kill Trump. He has denied the charges and called the prosecution politically-motivated.
The numbers have been used by opponents of Trump, and have appeared at protests against his administration.
The slogan written in the grass appears somewhat faded, with the number 8 appearing more prominently than the others. It is located close to the World War 2 memorial.
The alleged vandalism comes amid a beautification campaign of US monuments in the city, led by Trump. The campaign includes $13.1m (£9.6m) to repaint the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool, as well as a plan to build an arch decorated with golden figures including lions and eagles.
By BBC News
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