A social media firestorm has erupted after Houston Democratic leaders were photographed near a protest sign that appeared to call for violence against former President Donald Trump. The images, captured during Saturday’s “No Kings” rally at Houston City Hall, circulated widely online and quickly drew sharp criticism from across the political spectrum.
The sign read, “8647 IS HE DEAD YET?” — a phrase interpreted by many as a threat. The number “86” is slang for “to get rid of,” while “47” is widely understood to refer to Trump, currently serving as the 47th president of the United States.
Several elected Democrats were seen in the vicinity of the sign, and some shared images of it on their personal social media accounts. Houston City Councilmember Mario Castillo posted a photo of himself standing in front of the sign before later deleting it. In another image, Councilmembers Abbie Kamin, Mario Castillo and Joaquin Martinez spoke with the sign clearly positioned in the foreground.
U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D-Texas) was also photographed participating in a chant as the sign appeared prominently in the frame. The congresswoman later shared a photo of the sign online, thanking Houstonians for rallying against “an imperial government” — a likely reference to Trump.
The protest drew roughly 15,000 participants, according to Houston Mayor John Whitmire. The demonstration remained physically peaceful throughout the day, but its charged language and imagery have become the focus of online debate.
The sign itself — “8647 IS HE DEAD YET?” — has not been claimed by any individual or group. Its origin and authorship remain unclear. As of publication, none of the elected officials pictured near the sign have issued a statement addressing its meaning or their proximity to it.
The term “86” is a slang expression for “getting rid of” someone, dating back to 1930s New York, where Chumley’s pub would “86” patrons when expelling them from the establishment. The number “47” is interpreted as referring to Donald Trump, the 47th president.
The phrase has surfaced online before. Former FBI Director James Comey recently came under scrutiny after posting an image that some Trump supporters linked to the same “8647” concept. In response, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated publicly that the Secret Service and DHS were “investigating this threat and will respond appropriately.”
Although the protest itself remained peaceful, the imagery and language have ignited fresh tensions in a polarized political climate, raising questions about the role elected leaders play in promoting—or legitimizing—threatening rhetoric.
