MIDDLETOWN, N.J. — A controversial bumper sticker referencing a coded message calling for harm to President Donald Trump was photographed on a vehicle in the staff parking lot of Middletown South High School, drawing criticism from local and state officials.
Monica Paige, White House correspondent for Frontline, tweeted a photo of a bumper sticker displaying the numbers “8647” on what she identified as a New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) member’s vehicle. The numbers are widely interpreted to mean “kill Trump,” with “86” being slang for “get rid of” and “47” referring to Trump as the 47th president.
Paige’s post tagged Middletown Board of Education President Frank Capone, as well as the FBI, including Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino. The sticker’s appearance on school property has led to calls for investigation and accountability.
“It is deeply disturbing for anyone to wish harm or death upon another person, including the President of the United States,” said Capone. “There is no place in our school community for such thoughts or rhetoric, and I am deeply troubled and concerned that those entrusted to educate our students would promote such hate.”
Assemblywoman Vicky Flynn, who represents Middletown and formerly served as Holmdel Board of Education president, also condemned the message. “There is no place in our public schools for staff displaying messages that glorify violence or hate,” Flynn said.
School officials under pressure to act
Flynn added that the sticker’s presence on school property demands a formal response. “Students must be shielded from this kind of demented behavior. I expect a full investigation and appropriate action to be taken,” she said.
The phrase “8647” gained notoriety after former FBI Director James Comey used it in a post, which drew widespread backlash for its perceived implication. That controversy has since resurfaced with renewed attention in New Jersey.
As of Wednesday, the identity of the vehicle owner has not been publicly confirmed. It remains unclear whether Middletown Township Public Schools have taken disciplinary action or contacted law enforcement regarding the matter.
The FBI has not issued a public statement in response to Paige’s tweet, and it is unknown if an official federal inquiry has been opened. The NJEA has not commented on the incident.
The sticker’s appearance on school grounds has intensified scrutiny over political messaging by public employees and reignited debate on professional conduct within school systems.
