WASHINGTON, June 11 (Reuters) - The U.S. Department of the Interior said on Thursday it is investigating what appeared to be a large tracing of “8647” into the grounds of the National Mall in Washington, D.C.A Reuters photographer atop the Washington Monument saw the apparent marking in the grass near the World War Two Memorial shortly before authorities arrived at the scene. It shows the numbers eight, six and seven, but a four is not clearly defined.U.S. Park Police and members of the National Guard responded to the scene.WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 11: The numbers “8647” are shown in the grass on the National Mall on June 11, 2026 in Washington, DC. U.S. Park Police is handling the investigation into the markings in the grass. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)Anna Moneymaker via Getty ImagesThe term “8647” has been adopted by opponents of President Donald Trump as a protest against his administration. Trump allies and the U.S. Department of Justice have said it could be interpreted as a call to violence. It references the slang term “86,” originating in the restaurant industry, meaning to expel or get rid of something, and Trump as the 47th U.S. president.An Interior Department spokesperson referred to the incident as “deranged vandalism.”WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 11: Members of law enforcement respond to the National Mall as the numbers “8647” are seen in the grass on June 11, 2026 in Washington, DC. The U.S. Park Police are handling the investigation into the markings in the grass. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)Kevin Dietsch via Getty Images“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 in a statement.It was unclear how the markings in the grass were made. In areas, the grass turned brown to form the shape of numbers in contrast to the surrounding green.The U.S. Park Police said the cause of the “discoloration” has not yet been determined. A spokesperson said grass samples have been collected for testing and an investigation is ongoing.A close-up of a white substance inside a number, after authorities responded to what appeared to be a large tracing of the term 8647 into the grounds of the National Mall in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 11, 2026. (REUTERS/Nathan Howard)Nathan Howard via REUTERSThe White House referred questions about the incident to the Department of the Interior.The incident comes as the National Mall is set to be the scene for events celebrating the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence in the coming weeks. Trump has devoted personal attention to refurbishing the space, including painting the Reflecting Pool near the Lincoln Memorial. A 16-day “Great American State Fair” is set to take place on the National Mall beginning June 25.June 11, 2026, Washington, DC, United States: US Park Police, National Guard, and local firemen investigate a vandalism at the Washington Monument where the numbers 8647 were marked in the grass. (Credit Image: Andrew Leyden/ZUMA Press Wire)Andrew Leyden via ZUMA Press Wire via Reuters ConnThe term “8647” is at the center of at least one high-profile criminal case. Federal prosecutors charged former FBI Director James Comey with threatening Trump based on a photo he posted on social media in 2025 showing seashells on a beach arranged to form the numbers “8647.”Authorities responded to what appeared to be a large tracing of the term 8647 into the grounds of the National Mall in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 11, 2026. (REUTERS/ Nathan Howard)Nathan Howard via REUTERSComey took down the post and said he was not aware it could be interpreted as a call to violence. He has vowed to fight the charges, including on free speech grounds.A federal judge ruled earlier this month that the National Park Service could not prevent an anti-Trump protest group from displaying an “8647” flag near the National Mall.Relatedwashington dcpresident donald trumpJames Comeynational mallWashington Monument