Protesters Display '8647' Sign on Highway 101, Prompting Debate on Free Speech

California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers and protesters clashed on a Highway 101 overpass in Southern California regarding the display of the numbers '8647,' which has sparked debate over whether it constitutes protected free speech or a threat against President Donald Trump. Members of Indivisible Santa Barbara displayed the sign on the Micheltorena Street bridge on Thursday, leading to a report to the FBI, according to CHP Capt. Eric Zivic, as cited by the Santa Barbara News-Press. The term '86' can imply removal, while '47' refers to Trump as the 47th president, and together, they have been interpreted by some as a threat. The CHP's involvement was triggered by a report from an observer of the sign. Capt. Zivic stated that the CHP is required to report potential threats against elected officials to federal authorities. Indivisible Santa Barbara claimed in an Instagram post that this incident infringed upon their First Amendment rights. The group referenced a federal court ruling, Accountability NOW USA v. Griess, which supported their stance on free speech concerning the '8647' flag during protests. They reported that CHP officers instructed them to remove the sign, with Officer Ayala allegedly stating, 'You can’t wish death upon the president.' Ian Paige, a committee member of Indivisible Santa Barbara, expressed that the group's 'attempted intimidation' had not succeeded and affirmed their commitment to exercising their free speech rights despite the threats of FBI involvement and local CHP actions. The group noted that while they were permitted to display the American flag and other messages, the '8647' sign was prohibited. Federal officials have indicated that the phrase could be investigated as a potential threat, and earlier this year, former FBI Director James Comey faced scrutiny for sharing an image with the numbers. However, the Santa Barbara protesters cited comments from US Attorney General Todd Blanche, who remarked that '8647' signs are frequently displayed, suggesting that such displays should not lead to prosecution. The group, which has been protesting in Santa Barbara for over a year, plans to continue showcasing the '8647' signs. The California Post has sought further information from both the CHP and Indivisible Santa Barbara regarding the incident but has not yet received a response.