A graffiti reading “86 47” was spray-painted in the empty Lincoln Memorial Pool on Friday, May 1, 2026, following the indictment of former FBI director James Comey over an image on social media that showed seashells laid out to spell “8647.” Many believe that “86 47” denotes murdering President Donald Trump, though those critical of the current administration have disputed the claim. The U.S. Park Police are currently investigating the vandalism.
‘8647’ graffiti appears on Lincoln Memorial pool, claims report
Following the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey by the U.S. Justice Department over his 2025 Instagram post, in which seashells were laid out to spell “86 47,” someone graffitied “86 47” in the now-empty Lincoln Memorial Pool on Friday.
Prosecutors alleged that Comey’s post indicated a threat to President Trump’s life.
“86” in slang terms means to get rid of, while 47 is seemingly an indication to Donald Trump, as he is the 47th President of the country.
In response to this development, someone spray-painted the bottom of the now-empty Lincoln Memorial Pool with “86 47.”
The U.S. Park Police are investigating the area surrounding the Lincoln Memorial and the Reflecting Pool on the National Mall. “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 Park Police spokesperson said. (via The Mirror).”
The Police said that the vandalism was “unacceptable and will not be tolerated on federal lands.” They also added that the “area has been secured and covered while cleanup is arranged.”
“An active investigation is underway, and those responsible will be identified and held fully accountable,” the statement further added.
Previous reports stated that the pool was drained for renovations and to repair the pool’s bottom. The project would have concluded by the time of the Independence Day celebrations.
Originally reported by Sourav Chakraborty on Mandatory.
