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