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What does '8645' mean? Michigan Gov Whitmer accused of 'encouraging assassination attempts' against Trump

During an interview appearance, a four-digit pin – 8645 – was seen in the background of Gov Whitmer

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer appeared on NBC’s ‘Meet the Press’ and accused President Donald Trump of inciting domestic terrorism. 

She said, “It is wrong. It's got to end. It is dangerous, not just for me and my family but public servants everywhere who are doing their jobs and trying to protect their fellow Americans. People of good will on both sides of the aisle need to step up and call this out and bring the heat down,” reports the Daily Mail. This comes after Trump supporters chanted ‘lock her up’ at a rally recently.

However, it wasn’t her statement but a four-digit pin – 8645 – that was seen in the background that stirred quite a storm. The Trump campaign in a series of tweets alleged it was a call to assassinate President. The Trump War Room tweeted, “Governor Gretchen Whitmer displayed an "86 45" sign during her TV appearance. 86 can be shorthand for killing someone. Whitmer is encouraging assassination attempts against President Trump just weeks after someone sent a ricin-laced package to the White House.” They shared screenshots of definition of ‘86’. They also said, “Gretchen Whitmer can't have it both ways. These are the standards she set.”

What is 8645?

According to HITC, 86 is an American slang term used mostly the service industry to convey that an item is no longer available or that a customer should not be served. However, the report states that it can be used more commonly to indicate something that is to be discarded.

Another speculative theory about 86, as reported by Snopes is that it referred to whiskey proofs. Whiskeys used to be either 100 proof or 86 proof. So, when someone drank too much of the 100 proof, they would be served 86 proof, in hopes it would prevent them from getting too rowdy. And the last two numbers 45, are reportedly a reference to Trump, who is the 45th president of the United States.

Bobby Leddy from Whitmer's political team in an email to the Detroit Free Press said, "The silly season is officially here. It's pretty clear nobody in the Trump campaign has ever worked a food service job.”

After the incident, speaker of the Michigan House Lee Chatfield tweeted, “Last night, I said the “lock her up” chant was wrong. And I believe that. Well today, the Governor encouraged more hate by having an “8645” pin. (Attack? Kill?) This doesn’t help. This is wrong too. You can’t have your cake and eat it too when it comes to civility and respect.”

On October 17, speaking in Western Michigan, Trump stated that Whitmer needs to lift restrictions imposed due to the pandemic. He said, “You’ve got to get your governor to open up your state. And get your schools open.” The crowd erupted with the chant of “lock her up”. To which Trump said, “Lock them all up”, as reported by Politico. Whitmer took to Twitter and quote-tweeted a tweet that featured a video clip of the rally where Trump can be heard saying the above statement. She wrote: “This is exactly the rhetoric that has put me, my family, and other government officials’ lives in danger while we try to save the lives of our fellow Americans. It needs to stop.”

These remarks were made by the internet and individual organizations, MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and nor does it support these claims being made on the Internet.