Federal Judge Says Protest Flag ‘86-47’ Is Not a True Threat, Bars Forced Removal

A federal judge issued a ruling on a dispute over a protest flag bearing the slogan “86-47.” The judge held that authorities cannot compel demonstrators to remove the flag. In the written opinion, the court said the slogan does not rise to the level of a “true threat.” The phrase was previously cited in criminal charges against former FBI director James Comey. The decision underscores the judiciary’s view on the limits of speech‑related enforcement. Prosecutors had argued the flag encouraged violence, but the judge rejected that claim. Civil liberties groups praised the ruling as a protection of expressive conduct. The case may be appealed, leaving the issue of protest symbols unsettled.