India, June 12 -- A giant "8647" message discovered on the National Mall has sparked a federal investigation and reignited political tensions in Washington. The message, apparently etched or chemically marked into the grass near some of the nation's most recognizable landmarks, drew the attention of law enforcement and government officials on Thursday, raising questions about motive, symbolism and security while the incident unfolded between the World War II Memorial and the Washington Monument, one of the most visited public spaces in the United States, attracting millions of visitors every year.

What Is 8647?

The term "8647" has become a controversial political slogan in recent years and it combines the number "86," a slang expression...