A firestorm erupted this week surrounding Larry Lang, the vice mayor of Los Altos, California, after a series of cryptic social media posts came to light. Lang repeatedly posted “86 47” online, including directly responding to the California Republican Party’s Facebook page.
The posts, now deleted but widely circulated through screenshots, took on a chilling new dimension when Lang updated his Facebook cover photo. It displayed the same “86 47” seashell formation that led to the recent indictment of former FBI Director James Comey.
The significance of “86 47” lies in a dangerous convergence of slang and current events. In certain circles, “86” signifies the removal of something, while Donald Trump is the 47th President of the United States. The implication, to many, is a veiled threat.
Corrin Rankin, chair of the California Republican Party, swiftly condemned the posts as an unacceptable death threat against the President. She demanded Lang’s resignation, stating Los Altos deserves leaders who unite, not incite violence.
The California GOP echoed Rankin’s outrage, pleading with Democrats to cease what they perceive as advocacy for violence against Trump and Republicans. The posts have ignited a fierce debate about the boundaries of political rhetoric and the potential for real-world harm.
Lang is currently unreachable for comment, with an automated email response indicating he is traveling until early May. His Facebook cover photo was reportedly changed shortly before the controversy escalated.
Beyond his role as vice mayor, Lang holds positions on numerous regional boards, amplifying the calls for his accountability. Conservative figures, including the popular social media account Libs of TikTok, have joined the chorus demanding his resignation.
The situation mirrors the recent indictment of James Comey, who faced charges for posting the same “86 47” seashell image. Comey claimed he misinterpreted the formation, but the Justice Department alleges he made threats against the President.
Comey’s case carries significant weight, with a potential sentence of up to ten years in prison if convicted. The parallel between his actions and Lang’s posts has fueled concerns about a pattern of escalating rhetoric and potential danger.
Nick Poche, a spokesperson for the Republican National Committee, warned that Democrats must rein in their “unhinged rhetoric” to avoid encouraging violence. He pointed to the recent attempted shooting at the White House Correspondents Dinner as a stark reminder of the risks.
The incident has sparked a national conversation about the responsibility of public figures and the potential consequences of seemingly innocuous online posts. The focus now remains on Lang and whether he will address the mounting calls for his resignation.
