Trump Administration Suffers Legal Setback Over “86-47” Flag Case
A federal judge has ruled that the National Park Service cannot prevent a protest group from flying an “86-47” flag near the National Mall, finding the display does not constitute a threat to President Trump’s life. The judge determined that while “86” can sometimes mean “to kill,” its more common usage, particularly in the context of protests calling for impeachment and “removal,” signifies being “thrown out” or no longer available. This decision, which temporarily restricts the NPS from removing the flags, highlights the delicate balance between protected political speech and unlawful threats. The ruling comes amid heightened concerns about political violence and a separate federal prosecution of former FBI Director James Comey over the same numerical phrase.
John Q. Hosedrinker