A storm of controversy has erupted around Larry Lang, the Vice Mayor of Los Altos, California, following a deeply unsettling social media post. He posted “86 47” on the California Republican Party’s Facebook page, a phrase now laden with ominous meaning and sparking widespread outrage.
Adding fuel to the fire, Lang chose an image for his account cover that mirrored a recent indictment: James Comey’s seashell arrangement spelling out the same phrase, “86 47.” This deliberate echo of a legally scrutinized message immediately raised alarm bells and accusations of a veiled threat.
The phrase itself originates in restaurant terminology, where “86” signifies removing an item – essentially, getting rid of it. Coupled with “47,” a clear reference to Donald Trump as the 47th president, the message has been overwhelmingly interpreted as a call for violence against the former president.
The initial post appeared as a response to a California GOP statement by Chairwoman Corrin Rankin, who criticized the state’s Democratic leadership. Rankin had asserted that Democrats lacked solutions after sixteen years of dominance in California politics.
Both of Lang’s posts were swiftly deleted, but not before screenshots circulated rapidly, particularly through the California Republican Party, which shared them with news outlets. The damage, however, was already done.
Chairwoman Rankin didn’t hesitate to condemn the post as a blatant “death threat.” She issued a forceful demand for Lang’s immediate resignation, questioning whether he was ignorant of recent events or actively encouraging political violence.
The California GOP amplified Rankin’s call, urging Democrats to cease what they characterized as advocating for the death of Donald Trump and Republicans. They further escalated the situation by publicly posting Lang’s contact information online.
Despite the mounting pressure and public outcry, Lang has remained conspicuously silent, offering no explanation, apology, or acknowledgement of the controversy. His silence has only intensified the calls for his removal from office.
While James Comey faced federal charges for posting the same “86 47” image, as of this moment, no investigations have been announced, and no statements have been released by the Secret Service or local law enforcement regarding Lang’s actions.
Adding to the unsettling atmosphere, the Los Altos City Council has also remained publicly silent on the matter, leaving residents and observers to question their response to this deeply troubling situation.
