POLICE Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

'Genius' Arrested at Boston Airport Wearing Fake Bomb 'Art'

Massachusetts State Police arrested a 19-year-old MIT student earlier this morning and charged her with disturbing the peace and possessing a hoax device. Here's what Star Simpson reportedly decided was an artistic masterpiece that she had to share with the world.

September 21, 2007

I'm sure you've heard about this one. It's burning up the Net today. But I just had to comment on it.

Massachusetts State Police arrested a 19-year-old MIT student earlier this morning and charged her with disturbing the peace and possessing a hoax device. Here's what Star Simpson reportedly decided was an artistic masterpiece that she had to share with the world.

Ad Loading...

According to official reports, she went to Logan Airport—departure point for two of the 9/11 flights—wearing a black hooded sweatshirt accessorized with a flashing circuit board attached by visible wires to some Play-Doh, which probably looked an awful lot like C-4.

State Police Maj. Scott Pare told a gathering of reporters that Simpson saw the bomb rig as art. "She was proud of the art and she wanted to display it," he said.

Simpson was stopped outside Terminal C when her "suicide bomber" rig caught the eye of an information booth staffer who called the cops.

A group of State Police troopers, some armed with subguns, confronted her on a traffic island outside of the terminal.

"She was immediately told to stop, to raise her hands, and not to make any movement," Pare said at the press conference. "Had she not followed the protocol, we might have used deadly force."

Major, I'm glad you didn't have to shoot this girl. But um…if she had been a suicide bomber, then your agency's protocol would have just resulted in a lot of severed limbs, shrapnel wounds, flail chests, burning cars, shattered glass, and other really colorful "art."

To be fair, your officers did a good job of stopping her outside of the terminal.

But their actions afterward show how ill prepared we are as a nation to counter the waves of suicide bombers that are sure to be detonating soon at movie theaters, restaurants, grocery stores, and shopping malls near you.

Your protocol begs the question, What would your officers have done if she had made a move? You say they "might" have used deadly force. I hope you really mean that they would have.

And BTW, if she had been a real suicide bomber, commands of "Don't move!" won't work. By the time an officer says "don't," he and everyone nearby will be dead or dying.

Like I said, I'm glad your men didn't have to kill this young woman. It sounds like she did a really stupid thing but did so without malice.

But anyone who thinks that a suicide bomber costume is appropriate apparel for a trip to the airport, should think again. After the first Palestinian-style suicide bomber hits in America, someone wearing "bomb" components for art had better plan on exiting this world as a Jackson Pollock splash of brains and blood on a nearby wall because our nation's cops will have to be strong enough and mean enough to double-tap first, ask questions later.

If that's not enough to darken your dreams, ladies and gentlemen, consider this: Our "artiste" reportedly rode the subway to Logan. It's unknown if she wore her "bomb" on the way. But if she did, that speaks volumes about how vulnerable we are to jihadists who want to meet Allah after being blown to pieces by their own hand.

Have a good weekend.

Ad Loading...
Subscribe to Our Newsletter

More Blogposts

Inside the Badge by Wayne ParhamJuly 19, 2024

Preventing Heat Injury in Police K-9s

In the relentless heat of summer and even early fall in some parts of the country, officers face the important task of protecting their K-9 partners while working in sweltering temperatures. Recognizing changes in a dog’s behavior is the key.

Read More →
Inside the Badge by StaffDecember 19, 2023

Why Your Agency Needs to Attend the ILEETA Conference

ILEETA is a complete resource for trainers to address trainers' needs. Its mission is to enhance the skills and safety of criminal justice practitioners while fostering stronger and safer communities.

Read More →
Inside the Badge by David GriffithNovember 28, 2023

IACP 2023: New Training Products

Technologies for improving law enforcement training and training management were some of the highlights at this year's show.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Inside the Badge by Wayne ParhamOctober 27, 2023

Initial Results Released from MSP 2024 Police Vehicle Testing

The 2024 pursuit-rated vehicles--all pickup trucks or SUVs, including two battery electric models the Chevrolet Blazer EV AWD and Ford Mustang Mach-E--were put through their paces.

Read More →
Inside the Badge by Wayne ParhamJune 26, 2023

Officer Safety Considerations Related to Alternative-Fuel Vehicles

As more alternative-fuel and hybrid vehicles hit the road, police and other first responders need to understand that they are no more dangerous than conventional vehicles. However, there are certain safety considerations every cop should know.

Read More →
Inside the Badge by Wayne ParhamJune 9, 2023

Garmont Working to Grow LE Market Presence

Garmont Tactical has found wide acceptance by military boot buyers, but now the company is trying to better respond to the needs of police officers. Many cops now are not fans of 8-inch boots, so Garmont is adapting.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Inside the Badge by StaffJune 7, 2023

Publisher’s Note: Our Commitment to You

Through our magazine and website and our Police Technology eXchange event, we promise to provide you with information and access to resources to help you do your job safer and better.

Read More →
Inside the Badge by Wayne ParhamJune 2, 2023

10 Tips for Responding to Mental Health Crisis Calls

The Harris County Sheriff's Office is a model for other agencies that want to learn about crisis intervention and mental health crisis response. Sgt. Jose Gomez shares the story of their programs and provides 10 tips for mental health crisis call response

Read More →
Inside the Badge by Wayne ParhamMay 22, 2023

5 Things to Know When Buying Concealed-Carry or Off-Duty Holsters

Mike Barham, of Galco Holsters, shares five important considerations to keep in mind when you buy off-duty concealed or plain-clothes carry holsters.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
10 Tips for Reviewing Use-of-Force Reports - Police Law Enforcement Solutions graphic
Inside the Badge by Wayne ParhamMay 10, 2023

10 Tips for Reviewing Use-of-Force Reports

While the burden of accurately reporting use-of-force situations is on an individual deputy or officer, the person reviewing those reports shares in the responsibility of making sure the reporting is done properly, with clear details included.

Read More →