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The numbers “8647” — a phrase generally used to signal opposition to President Donald Trump — appeared etched into the grass on the National Mall on Thursday, days before massive crowds are expected in the area for a UFC match on Trump’s birthday on Sunday.
Related video above: UFC ‘Claw’ venue revealed on White House South Lawn
Live webcam images from the top of the Washington Monument show the numbers appearing as dead grass along a large portion of the Mall, east of the World War II Memorial. It’s not clear when the markings first appeared. The numbers were not visible in photos from Getty Images of the National Mall taken on June 5.
WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 11: The numbers “8647” are seen on the grass of the National Mall on June 11, 2026 in Washington, DC. The U.S. Park Police are handling the investigation into the markings in the grass. The numbers have been adopted by critics of President Donald Trump's administration, serving as a form of protest.  (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Anna Moneymaker
The numbers “8647” are seen on the grass of the National Mall on June 11, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
The markings did not appear to be easily distinguishable from the ground level Thursday afternoon. Witnesses said several emergency vehicles blocked off the area around 1 p.m., while the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team landed on the Mall.
Anna Moneymaker
Members of the U.S. Army Golden Knights participate in a test jump over the National Mall on June 11, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
Anna Moneymaker
Members of the U.S. Army Golden Knights participate in a test jump over the National Mall on June 11, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
The Secret Service and FBI deferred comment to the U.S. Park Police, who the agencies said was handling the investigation into the markings. A law enforcement source told CNN the Secret Service will partner with the Park Police when officials locate a suspect.
A spokesperson for the Park Police said the cause of the discoloration of the grass has not been determined. Samples were collected for testing, the spokesperson said.
A spokesperson for the Department of Interior, which manages the National Mall, described the markings as “deranged vandalism” which “will not be tolerated” in a statement.
Kevin Dietsch
Members of law enforcement respond to the National Mall as the numbers “8647” are seen in the grass on June 11, 2026, in Washington, D.C. The U.S. Park Police are handling the investigation into the markings in the grass.
“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.
The numbers have been used to signal opposition to Trump, though his administration has interpreted them as a threat against the president. In April, former FBI Director James Comey was indicted by the Department of Justice on charges of threatening the president for posting an image on Instagram showing the numbers spelled out in seashells.
The number “86” is often used as a code in the restaurant industry meaning to get rid of or remove an order or patron, while Trump is the 47th president.