00:02Federal investigators are trying to figure out who left a giant message in the grass on the National Mall,
00:08and whether it was meant as a political statement or something more.
00:12Take a look at this from ground level.
00:14It looks like a few patches of brown grass, but from high above the National Mall,
00:19the markings appear to form the numbers 86-47 near the World War II memorial.
00:25The numbers are not easy to see.
00:26The eight is the clearest, while the four below it is much harder to make out.
00:32Somebody spotted the markings Thursday from the top of the Washington Monument.
00:36Shortly after the discovery, U.S. Park Police, National Guard members, and other federal officials responded to the area.
00:44Investigators collected grass samples and say they are still trying to determine what caused the discoloration or who may be
00:50responsible.
00:50A spokesperson for the Interior Department called it vandalism and said any threat against the president will be taken seriously.
00:59The numbers have become politically charged in recent years.
01:02Last year, former FBI Director James Comey posted a photo of seashells arranged to spell 86-47.
01:10Trump allies and federal prosecutors have argued the phrase can be interpreted as a threat toward President Trump,
01:17with 86 meaning get rid of the nation's 47th president.
01:21Comey removed the post and said he never intended it as a threat.
01:25He has pleaded not guilty to federal charges stemming from the case.
01:29The investigation comes as the National Mall prepares for a series of events tied to America's 250th anniversary celebration later
01:37this month.
01:38If you want to see more of the pictures, go to our website.
Comments