Los Altos Vice Mayor Larry Lang is under mounting pressure to resign after screenshots revealed he repeatedly posted the phrase “86 47” online—a string of characters central to a federal indictment of former FBI Director James Comey.
According to verified evidence, Lang altered his Facebook cover image to match the seashell-style “86 47” format and separately commented the phrase on a California GOP Facebook post. Critics interpret the term as a threat against President Donald Trump, the 47th president, with restaurant slang meaning “to get rid of something.”
California Republican Party Chair Corrin Rankin condemned Lang’s actions as unacceptable, stating Los Altos residents deserve leaders who unite their community rather than amplify what she called dangerous rhetoric. The state party publicly demanded Lang’s resignation, citing his posts as incompatible with local leadership responsibilities.
The phrase has drawn immediate scrutiny amid its legal context: On April 21, a federal grand jury indicted Comey for allegedly making threats to harm President Trump tied to an Instagram image reading “86 47.” Prosecutors argued the message constituted a serious expression of intent to cause bodily harm or death. The indictment carries potential penalties of up to ten years in prison if convicted.
Lang’s automatic email response indicated he was traveling until May 4, and city officials did not respond to inquiries before publication. His Facebook cover photo change occurred Friday, following initial controversy from conservative accounts and the state party.
Public officials cannot treat language that would constitute national scandal when directed at a political opponent as harmless political commentary. Lang faces immediate pressure to provide a credible explanation for his use of a phrase now linked to federal charges against a former FBI director.