Larry Lang, vice mayor of Los Altos, California, is facing calls to resign after posting "86 47" multiple times on social media, including in comments on the California Republican Party's Facebook page and as his profile cover photo depicting a shell formation that mirrors one central to former FBI Director James Comey's recent federal indictment.
The posts came to light this week when screenshots were shared by the California Republican Party. Lang's Facebook cover photo displayed an image of an "86 47" seashell arrangement, the same configuration that led to Comey being indicted last month for allegedly making threats against President Donald Trump. In common slang terminology often used in service industries and other contexts, "86" typically means to get rid of or eliminate something.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive critics have noted the incident highlights broader concerns about political rhetoric on both sides of the aisle. Some pointed out that while conservatives are demanding accountability for Lang's posts, similar outrage has not always been applied uniformly across the political spectrum when comments deemed threatening have emerged from other elected officials or their supporters.
Local Democratic activists in Santa Clara County, where Los Altos is located, noted that the incident underscores the need for clear ethical standards for all local officials regardless of party affiliation. A spokesperson for a regional Democratic committee said their organization was reviewing the situation and expected all elected officials to maintain professional conduct on social media platforms.
"While we await more information about the context of these posts, there's no question that public officials must be held to high standards," said a statement attributed to local Democratic leadership. "We encourage thorough investigation into whether any violations of law or ethics codes occurred."
What the Right Is Saying
California Republican Party Chairperson Corrin Rankin was among the first to call for Lang's resignation, posting on X that the comments constituted an unacceptable death threat directed at President Trump.
"This death threat directed at Donald Trump is unacceptable. Either this elected 'leader' is completely unaware of recent events, or he is somehow fueling the violence that erodes our political system," Rankin wrote. "Los Altos deserves leaders who unite the community and focus on solutions."
The California Republican Party amplified her statement, urging Democrats to "stop advocating for the death of Donald Trump and Republicans." The party also noted Lang's position as vice mayor carried significant public responsibility.
Conservative social media account Libs of TikTok, which helped bring attention to the posts, declared: "He needs to resign as vice mayor!" Republican National Committee spokesperson Nick Poche went further, stating that Democrats must dial back unhinged rhetoric or risk encouraging violent actors.
"We suggest he resign to check into a mental hospital," Poche said of Lang. He also referenced the recent White House Correspondents Dinner shooting attempt that was thwarted by Secret Service as evidence of escalating political violence blamed on heated rhetoric.
What the Numbers Show
Lang has served as vice mayor of Los Altos, a city of approximately 31,000 residents in Santa Clara County. In addition to his role on the five-member City Council, Lang sits on over half-a-dozen regional boards of directors, according to public records reviewed by this publication.
Former FBI Director James Comey was indicted for a second time last month stemming from a May 2025 Instagram post showing an "86 47" shell formation. The Justice Department charged Comey with making threats to harm the president and transmitting a threat in interstate commerce. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison.
Fox News Digital attempted to reach Lang for comment. His email returned an automated response indicating he was traveling until May 4. His Facebook cover photo had been changed by Friday, suggesting removal of the shell formation image.
The California GOP post that Lang commented on featured a news segment with Chairperson Rankin discussing California's gubernatorial race and arguing Democrats in the state have no solutions after 16 years of single-party control.
The Bottom Line
Lang remains vice mayor while calls for his resignation continue from Republican officials. He has not publicly addressed the controversy, and city council members in Los Altos did not respond to requests for comment before publication. What happens next likely depends on whether additional local officials or regional boards take formal action. Lang's scheduled return from travel on May 4 may bring clarification on how he intends to respond to the growing pressure. The incident adds to ongoing national debates about political rhetoric, social media responsibility among elected officials, and the boundaries of protected speech.