Obama Judge Hands Big Win to Leftists Pushing Anti-Trump '8647' Threats - Slay News
An Obama-appointed federal judge has issued a final ruling allowing an anti-Trump “8647” flag to be flown near the National Mall, handing a win to a progressive activist group as Washington, D.C., prepares for massive July Fourth crowds and heightened security.
Progressive group Accountability Now USA flew the flag near the National Mall and accused the National Park Service of violating its First Amendment rights by threatening to revoke its permit.
U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss in Washington, D.C., ruled that the flag is protected political speech.
The Trump administration has previously treated “8647” messaging as threatening.
- Advertisement -The number “86” is commonly used by street gangs and in law enforcement to refer to killing someone, while “47” appears to refer to President Donald Trump as the 47th president.
The Department of the Interior sharply criticized the ruling.
“This opinion is from an Obama-appointed judge,” a Department of the Interior spokesperson said in a statement.
“Flying a flag that is a threat to the Office of the President of the United States should not be permitted under any administration.
- Advertisement -“In what world have we lost all decency to demand that any threat against the President be taken very seriously?”
Judge Says Flag Is Not a ‘True Threat’
Moss ruled that the “8647” flag does not meet the legal standard for an unprotected threat or incitement.
“[Its] ‘8647’ flag… is not a true threat to the President or incitement of violence,” Moss wrote.
- Advertisement -Accountability Now USA also displayed two flags accusing Trump of sexually assaulting a minor.
Moss ruled that those displays are “not legally obscene” and are also protected by the First Amendment.
Moss was appointed to the federal bench by former President Barack Obama.
He previously served in former President Bill Clinton’s Justice Department and has donated to and volunteered for Democratic candidates and causes.
In an earlier order in the case, Moss acknowledged that a legitimate threat against the president would justify government action.
“A true threat to the life or safety of the President would undoubtedly outweigh the interest of the public or the speaker in continuing to urge that unlawful conduct,” Moss wrote.
Administration Scrutinizes ‘8647’ Messages
- Advertisement -The ruling comes after the Trump administration increased scrutiny of “8647” messaging around the National Mall.
Last month, giant “8647” numbers appeared to be etched into the grass between the Washington Monument and the World War II Memorial.
Investigators collected grass samples from the area for testing and examination.
The incident came as the National Mall has faced a string of vandalism problems this year.
- Advertisement -The Reflecting Pool and monuments have received special attention after Trump ordered restoration and repainting work.
That work was followed by “razor-blade cuts” to the Reflecting Pool lining, according to the White House.
The “8647” flag dispute now adds another security concern as the nation’s capital prepares for America’s 250th birthday celebrations.
Security Tightens Ahead of July Fourth
Washington, D.C., is bracing for massive crowds, road closures, and a heavy law enforcement presence for July Fourth events.
Trump is scheduled to attend the “Salute to America” event on July 4.
His remarks are expected to begin around 9:00 p.m. ET before a major fireworks display on the National Mall.
The administration has described the fireworks show as the largest in history.
The security backdrop is serious.
In April, there was an assassination attempt against Trump at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, where a shooter attempted to break into the ballroom.
The latest concerns also come as the anniversary of the July 13, 2024, assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, approaches.
A bullet grazed Trump’s ear during that rally and nearly killed him.
Two months later, another assassination attempt occurred in South Florida when a man with a rifle was arrested after allegedly positioning himself near the golf course where Trump was playing.
- Advertisement -Against that backdrop, the administration argued that threats involving the president should not be treated casually.
Moss disagreed and allowed the flag to remain protected political speech.
For the Trump administration, the ruling is another example of the courts giving anti-Trump activists wide latitude even as threats, vandalism, and security concerns intensify around the president and the nation’s capital.