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Sep 21, 2007 5:25 pm US/Eastern
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Viewers Weigh In On Bomb Scare At Logan Airport
(WBZ)
Yes, authorities acted correctly in this situation. How can a supposedly intelligent person think it's OK to do such an irresponsible thing. We have enough problems in society today. She should be using her talents and brains to help people feel safer, not scare them to death.
Valerie Monopoli
I believe if she is smart enough to be in MIT should be smart enough to know what the consequences would be for warring something that looks suspicious. There are way too many people that ware bombs and cause destruction and they look harmless. We hear all the time "See something Say something," well I am glad the person behind the counter called the police and I am glad the police took action after all she could have been a terrorist. They don't ware signs to let us know they are a terrorist. I don't think the student should be put in jail but some community service a fine and something to make her remember to think before she acts next time would be good.
Diane
Rockport, MA
The question is as foolish and irresponsible as the so-called "artist". A policeman would have been well within his rights to use deadly force. A better question would be why they didn't.
TR
The arrest of Star Simpson was not necessary. Once she was stopped and allowed to explain her costume she should have been told that perhaps it was not wise to wear her career day outfit to the airport and then released without charges. This event, along with the over reaction to the Lite Brite displays, show that the "terrorists" have won if they cause us to react so fearfully.
J. Snedeker
Cambridge, MA
What a moron. She needs to be put away for a long time. She didn't "make a mistake". That's when you forget to turn the coffee maker on after adding the water. No, this was a deliberate act of idiocy.
Most of the responses here are quite appropriate. Then, there are some real bubble heads. Two, Richard and Krista come to mind.
Steve Hollar
Lake Elsinore, CA
Of couse the police did the right thing! They did the only thing possible in this situation. Our world as far as the United States is concerned will never be the same again since 9/11. It is unbelievable that a college student with some intellegence should think that she would not be thought of as a terrorist with that contraption on her body. Is she a leader on the future-if so the world is in big trouble!
Anita
The police officials reacted very appropriately. Had that been a bomb they would have been pilloried for not acting even more aggressively. The student is foolish and lucky, or perhaps she achieved her intended aim of gauging security responsiveness and passed herself off as a witless student?
June Badalis
Although Star Simpson showed a lack of common sense the State Police definitely over reacted. She was leaving the airport. If she posed a threat she would have reached her target and done her damage. Where were all the State Police when she was entering the airport? A good catch by the information person but it should have never escalated.
Steve
I think the police handled it well and with restraint. This gal could have been killed over lack of common sense. This is a post 9-11 world and the two flight that brought the twin towers down departed from Logan. I am sorry if I am a little strong, but this idiot and her boyfriend ought to count her blessings that she is alive on bond. You do not play games like this with the FAA; you play with the FAA and you will pay. If you remember a few months ago, a guy out of Nashville, TN missed flight Northwest flight #980 from Seattle to Memphis, he was crying the fact his plane already took off, he decided to make a bomb threat so it would return; well it did and he was not allowed to board. He is currently in jail with federal charges in Seattle; the flight arrived in Memphis 6 hours later. Every time I thought about that incident, I was thinking what an idiot. It really upsets me on both situations both of these individuals are in higher education that they bring disgrace to others in higher education. This is not acceptable. If other people pull stunts like this at other airports and get blown away just over a fake bomb, tough!
Wallace Go
Memphis, TN
Regarding the MIT student with the fake bomb. If she calls that art, she deserves to be arrested!
David Glazer
Did the police act accordingly ? ? ?
They acted more than accordingly and exercised extreme restraint. She could be dead.
This brainless moron that thought it was "art" should be thankful the rest of her life for every breath she takes.
M.I.T. ? ? ? You gotta be kidding. How did she get past the entrance exam?
Joe Spehar
Springerville, Arizona
Does it bother anyone that our future may depend on someone this stupid?
Supposedly, schools like MIT train & educate the brightest students to be the doctors, scientists and leaders of tomorrow. Unfortunately, this person doesn't seem to have an ounce of common sense and is a poor example of the ability of MIT to teach. Part of teaching (my opinion
here) is to recognize the shortcomings of the student and addressing them. Teachers are supposed to help students overcome those shortcomings. This person is a sophomore and no one at MIT has recognized the fact that she is seriously lacking in common sense?
I think I would be asking for a refund if this was my daughter.
Also, I believe this young lady should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and punished severely. We must send a message that this type of behavior will not be tolerated and will be dealt with quickly and severely.
George Coffey
Whitman, MA
Hi There,
I have heard this story a couple of different times today and am shocked that some people in your city actually feel the police over reacted. Are they kidding!! The reasons I hear is that 'she wasn't boarding a flight'!!
Let me see if I get this.. We should only be concerned about a person's suspicious behavior if they are trying to board a flight?
I thought with the past history, people would be more concerned about their safety but I guess not.
We see someone wandering around with something on their shirt that mimics an explosive device!! Her parents must feel lucky that their daughter is still alive for pulling such a prank. Makes you wonder why such an educated person like her would do soemthing like this!!
Wake up folks... She was wrong and is lucky to be alive. She did not acknowledge the police and this is asking for trouble.
Shocked...
Guy
The police acted irresponsibly. A glance at Ms. Simpson's outfit should have made it clear that she was not a threat. The fact that she was leaving the airport should have been another factor. I am more frightened by the irresponsible behavior of the state police troopers on the scene. The hysteria created by the absurd designation of a campaign against criminals as a war on terror has created a situation where undertrained law enforcement officers pose more of a threat than the jihadists they are supposed to be on the lookout for. I hope Ms. Simpson is fairly compensated for their abuse of power, and the dangerous polcemen are properly sanctioned. There was no threat; there was no hoax. The only threat was the possibility of trigger-happy police acting up.
-Howard Medwed
The police acted properly by treating this situation as though it was a real threat to the safety of the airport. Star Simpson is either an idiot or did this on purpose to make some statement. As American's we don't have a right to yell fire in a crowded theater and this is exactly what Ms. Simpson did.
Those people calling this "art" and making claims about how our freedoms have been taken away are fools and don't live in the real world. We all have a responsibility to act like adults and have enough sense to know you don't wear a fake looking bomb in an airport after what happened on 911. This has nothing to do with our rights. Regardless, whether she meant any harm or not Star Simpson should be charged, convicted and fined to cover the expenses to the tax payers for her stupid stunt. I'm disappointed that MIT has lowered its admission requirements to allow such a stupid person to attend their school.
Robert Moon
Texas
I definetly think that the airport employee did the right thing and that the police reacted appropriately. With everything that happened with 911 our country will never be the same again. She (the student) should have had more regard for her surroundings and should have thought ahead of people's reactions to what she claimed as art. To me, it doesn't look like art. It was a really careless and thoughtless move on her part. Hopefully this will be a lesson to her to think ahead before doing any such thing like this in the future.
Sincerely,
Gerrie Gavin
Danvers, Ma.
In this post 9/11 world Americans cannot take chances. The reaction by the Massachusetts State Police was not an overreaction, rather it was a reaction to a potential threat which thankfully for all parties involved, was resolved safely.
Jeremiah E. Mankin
I'm happy for her sake that she wasn't harmed, but the police did the right thing. She's old enough to know better. If you can't say bomb at the airport, how stupid are you to wear one there?
Jon Farrow
Of course the police acted appropriately. They acted quickly and with restraint. Had it been a real bomb and it was detonated, the critics would be asking why the police did not act more quickly and more forcefully.
By the way, does Lahaiana, Hawaii know they are missing their village idiot?
Jim, Somerset
Yes, the authorities did the right thing in confronting the student at gun point. I am relived to see the Boston authorities are putting public safety first!
Marian Walsh
Throw the book at her!
Peter Gerenz
This is completely bogus. It's obvious she is an upstanding, extremely
bright, and talented individual. Now that it is clear that she didn't
mean any harm, it's time to drop the charges. The justice system
should have bigger fish to fry. It is a waste of taxpayer's dollars to
spend any more time on this baseless case.
Eric Unger
So now we can't have art? What if this girl had been killed for a student art project? Frightening. I never felt afraid of my govt. until now. We no longer have any freedom of expression or speech in this country.
-Kathryn Jones
Richmond, VA
This was a stupid potentially dangerous stunt designed to get publicity.
She could have caused a panic in which many people could have been
injured. No matter that it was harmless, she was meeting her boyfriend,
it was "art", the fact is it was reckless endangerment.
You can't yell fire in a crowded theater.
The security people were absolutely correct in taking control
immediately.
She should be prosecuted and penalized.
It must be shown that this kind of behavior cannot be tolerated in
today's real atmosphere of terrorism. She was indistinguishable from a
terrorist.
Thomas Wood
I think both parties could learn something. I'm sure the girl was excited to see her boyfriend and her head was far far away from the ugly realities of the world. Maybe she needs to learn or remember to keep one foot on the ground at all times. She ought to be able to own up and move on from the embarassing and traumatizing event. I imagine that, as an all round good girl, having big men with ak's suddenly coming up on you from all sides would leave quite a phychological dent. Not something most of us can simply shake off. I wonder if the clerk hadn't simply looked the lady in the eye and then examined the t-shirt and said something intelligent, if we also couldn't have been spared more drama. As far as the police, those boys are trained to pump their adrenelene when they get that call. They're not trained to be thoughtful and creative and put the suspect under surveillance, assess the risk, approach the suspect and talk to them like a human being because they believe they're dealing with an animal. That is why, we need to have accountability at all levels. The young lady, the clerk, the hardened force our Police perpetuate - we all share responsibility and there is no one to blame.
Krista Campbell
Bedford, Nova Scotia, Canada
Once again we see that "very intelligent' and "highly educated" does not equal "uses common sense". An area routinely under security alert is not the place to "make a statement", fashion or otherwise. The shirt had a small panel with wires and battery in view. What was under it - a bit of plastic explosive perhaps? How long should police wait to find out?
Some of the responses seem simplistic too. "She wasn't tryng to board a plane." Neither were the thugs who drove a vehicle into the doors of a Scottish airport and exploded it. I say, get control of the person perceived as a threat first, check him/her out, and go from there. At least she was smart enough not to resist to the point that police had to use more force.
Marilyn, Framingham
Yes. "Art"? She knew exactly what she was doing, the potential consequences, and is using 'freedom of speech' or freedom to express oneself as a means to justify a stupid stunt.
Scott R. Jordan
Question:
If you do not push to have her pay for all the related costs of this, how she and others going to learn the costs of their bad behavior?
Why should the taxpayers and private businesses be punished for her actions?
She needs to be punished with the full cost of everyone who responded, was injured financially by her actions. And then make the word public so all others of her ilk understand that there are consequences for personal actions.
Mark Breese
Washington Firefighter
Yes, the police acted absolutely responsibly.
When this "me generation" spoiled brat tried to pull a little prank because "SHE WANTED TO!" the response was swift and sure.
The police were doing the job they have dedicated their life to do and they did it well.
She was arrested and she was not killed – the police showed professionalism.
The young lady showed stupidity.
End of story.
Denny Beall
Neither the police nor the DA are acting properly. I believe that Ms.
Simpson had no idea her breadboard LED device would be mistaken for a
bomb. A real terrorist would not have had a large breadboard with nine
flashing LEDs and a nine volt battery with colorful play-doh arranged in
a design visibly attached to the front of their shirt, and would not
have politely asked directions from any authority figure. A cursory
check by the police would have confirmed that the device was not
harmful, was not a bomb or even a hoax bomb, and that Ms. Simpson had a
valid reason to be at the airport. It should have ended there, but the
police were obviously pissed off and have decided to take it to the next
level.
Apparently, just wearing flashing jewelry and exercising our right to
stroll about in the nonsecure area of the airport earns a "possession of
a hoax device" charge in Boston. When the police showed off the shirt,
they sure were not handling it gingerly -- they know what it is, as I
did after a few seconds of viewing it. I hope Ms. Simpson has her day
in court -- and then sues the hell out of Boston for violating her
rights and taking her property without permission. And as for me, I'll
stay well away from Logan, since, as your State Police Major so politely
pointed out, any traveler runs the risk of ending up in the morgue (or
in court) if the police think something they are wearing might remotely
resemble a bomb.
Douglass Campbell
We sell T-shirts with this same technology as Promotional Products.
Companies such as Heineken use them for promotions.
It appears that she created her own crude version.
A member of ASI (Advertising Specialty Industry) called Flashwear made them years ago (ASI # 53515).
They are harmless, but effective as "attention getters".
This is probably not the attention she was looking for however.
Kind Regards,
James Dawson
I find it very disturbing a State Police Maj. said "she was extremely
lucky she followed the instructions or deadly force would have been
used. She's lucky to be in a cell as opposed to the morgue." I dread
to think what would happen if she was hard of hearing.
Maybe police officers should calmly approach her, pull her aside and
ask for a closer inspection of her clothing, rather surround her with
guns drawn. Yes, I think the police overreacted and I'm very
concerned that the police feel justified using deadly force in this instance.
Nick LaRussa
The police actions in the incident with the MIT student at Logan Airport
are understandable in today's world. However, I don't think any further
action should have been taken after she gave an explanation and her
explanation proved to be true. More importantly, this incident should
not have had all the media coverage it has had. I don't think it should
have been reported in the media at all when it proved to be nothing.
This is complete overreaction!
Mary
Alton, NH
I'm shocked at the response by the M.I.T. students; I thought they would be much smarter. Who says that you need to get on an Airplane for a Terrorist attack? A crowded Airport or shopping mall is just the same, shame on Star Simpson for attempt at fame and shame on the knuckleheads' who think that security overreacted.
I'm sending my kids to a state college!
Wally Glendye
Being a student at MIT, Im sure she knew what she was doing and what the repercussions could be. Calling it art is just ridiculous, it was meant to look like a bomb. And for those who say the police & security overreacted. I doubt they lost a loved one on 9/11.
Jim Tomacchio
Hillsborough NH
Dear WBZ
I have never responded to a TV question. But this one forced me. The state police in this case UNDERREACTED, they should have shot this student. There isn't anyone in this country that is unaware of what happened on 9/11 this type of behavior by a supposedly "smart person" is unacceptable in this day of age. Thankfully for her, her parents and all of her friends the state police SAVED her life. She certainly needs counseling. MIT should suspend her until she is deemed sane enough to return to school. I believe that she is a treat to herself and everyone around her.
Thank you for this forum.
Charle J. DiMatteo, Jr., CPA
After seeing the picture of the alleged bomb, it appears that in the usual manner police overreacted a s Star did not make any threats and did not go through security. . Her actions were juvenile and attention seeking
Fred.
What a ridiculous waste of money this girl has caused with her need to express her "art"!! It infuriates me to hear of her accomplishments and to hear her classmates defending her actions!! They should know better. If they want to "boo hoo" the security measures we face today, they should talk to the terrorists and not casually disregard and disrespect what our Government is doing to try to protect us.
Robert Badger
I believe that the police reacted appropriately to a mindless deed, but I don't believe she should do jail time for it, since it was not a malicious action. Our prisons aren't prepared to accommodate all of the stupid people of the Commonwealth.
Eileen in Hanson
I think she should get time in jail. It was a stupid stunt to pull with all that is happening in the world. Had this been someone with a real bomb and the police did nothing, they (the police) would have been criticized by everyone. Just because it turned out ok, doesn't mean it couldn't have had a different ending. The police are losers either way they go.
Linda
At no time were the police out of order, my suggestion would be to have that person evaluated at bridgewater, then jailed and expelled from MIT since 9/11 actions like this person displayed were in my estimation "stupid", her first year at MIT should be her last.
JBM Pembroke
Osama bin Ladin is probably reading about this and laughing so hard he's
hyperventilating.
Apparently the definition of a "Fake Bomb" is "ANY electronic device that
Boston authorities and/or the press can't immediately identify." The fact
that the notion of a bomb never entered the mind of the person who created
the device is absolutely irrelevant, it would seem. If an observer don't
know what a device is, then that device can be considered to be a "fake
bomb."
The dictionary definition of "hoax" includes an intent to deceive.
Apparently the legal definition of the word requires only the involvement of
observers whose careers are enhanced when they are able to claim to have
been fooled.
Once again, ignorance, irrational fear, and politics trump reality.
In actual fact, there was no "bomb," fake or otherwise, and there was no
"hoax" of any kind.
On the other hand, "fake bomb" and "hoax" make far better headlines and
campaign rhetoric than the truth, don't they?
Without question, Ms. Simpson was a little too much inside her own head this
morning. She should not have done what she did because she should have
anticipated that it would play into the hands of people who are over-eager
to whip out their machine guns and get themselves on TV by dealing with a
"threat."
She made a mistake - but the accusations against her and the price that she
will pay are staggering in comparison to her intent - an intent that remains
clear in spite of the language being used by the authorities and the press.
A "fake bomb strapped to her chest?" What nonsense!
Being arrested at machine-gun point is more than enough punishment for what
she did. But after watching the video of the arraignment, I conclude that
the the intent of prosecutor Margolis is to step onto the national stage at
Ms. Simpson's expense. He complained that Ms. Simpson showed disregard for
reality today. That may be so, but in my opinion he is setting an extremely
poor example in that department. Does Mr. Margolis really believe that the
state of Massachusetts needs to expend finite resources to prevent Ms.
Simpson from making a similar mistake in the future? Does he really believe
that (aside from the panic fomented by people like himself) there is any
public safety concern here at all? Does he really believe that Ms. Simpson
wanted to cause trouble today, or that she ever would hurt anyone? If he
answers "yes" to any of those questions, he's a liar. He knows better.
If Ms. Simpson does not suffer from PTSD for the rest of her life, she's a
stronger person than I am. And if the self-serving prosecutor has his way,
she'll have enough of a criminal record so that she can look forward to a
career flipping burgers or mopping floors.
All for wearing a green light-up star on her sweatshirt.
Star Simpson is not a threat to society, but society - an embarrassingly
cowardly, frighteningly authoritarian society - has certainly become a
threat to her.
As far as I'm concerned, the lesson here is that I have FAR more to fear
from the people who claim to be trying to protect me than I do from the
terrorists who to want to kill me. I don't need any protection from people
like Star Simpson. But Wayne Margolis, Esq. and Maj. Scott Pare? Yes, I fear
them - and countless other unwitting instruments of Osama bin Ladin's effort
to disfigure our once-free society.
Richard from Minneapolis
The police absolutely responded appropriately! People need to realize that there are radical elements that despise America and seek to harm us and our way of life. Every potential threat must be taken seriously and this foolish student is lucky that she's not dead. I am amazed and outraged to hear the young people you interviewed basically saying that this incident is no big deal. One's freedom of expression does not entitle them to appear as a terrorist. So what that she was only meeting her boyfreind and not getting on the plane? A fool with a bomb can blow it up anywhere. The Glascow airport was attacked from outside by a car bomb. America did change on 9/11/01 and too many Americans seem to have forgotten the impact of that attack. Previous attacks by Radical Islam weren't taken seriously until 9/11/01. We must learn the lessons of 9/11 and remain vigilent. They still desire to attack us on our soil. People need to continue to be observant and report suspicious behavior. Better to follow a false lead or react a hoax than to miss the real thing.
Elaine Gould
Derry, NH
I firmly believe that the police at Logan Airport acted appropriately at all points and in all aspects of this fake bomb scare, the circuit board with battery worn on the shirt of Miss Simpson, an MIT student.
She claims that the police over-reacted, that she did nothing wrong, that what she displayed on her shirt was only artwork that she was proud of. Well, then she was a very naive, uninformed, and shortsighted woman, uninformed of the possibility of terrorist actions carried out at any time, unaware of heightened security since 9/11, and the list of what is appropriate to even bring into an airport, never mind onto a plane.
If the Logan police had been any less appropriate, any more relaxed or laid back, people would be criticizing them and lambasting them all over the place, saying that they weren't doing their jobs. Now, when they do their jobs correctly, appropriately, trying to project the public they serve, some of the public still criticize. Me, I thank and bless them.....
..............Denise, Plymouth
Not exactly the smartest thing to do, not at an airport or anywhere!! Does she not know that we are fighting a war against terrorism and any such behavior is scrutinized? Just plain stupid.
Larry Nelson
Hello, I am a 69 year old female and I think the Police action taken against the MIT female student was absolutely correct. It did not matter that she was not getting on a plane, she could have killed a lot of people in the Airport if the bomb had been real. I don't think she should have been let out on bail. She should have been sent to a Hospital for mental evaluation.
Thank you.
jkkeplinger
The police acted appropriately. Anyone going to an airport must be vigilante and act correctly by following all rules. Its not like she was in a McDonalds. She was at the airport where state police are and security is very tight-for good reason, it is a terrorist target (just like if she was on a major bridge).
Also, was the clay (play-dooh) she was carrying
part of the art? Or was this trying to make a point or to see if she could get away with it?
You can't yell fire in a crowded theatre
Donald P. Gaskell
As with many others, I would like to voice my opinion on the arrest of Ms. Simpson at Logan Airport this afternoon. I firmly believe that the Massachusetts State Police acted responsibly and were completely justified in their decision to draw their fire arms as a safety precaution. I have worked for police in various places for some years now and understand that using their discretion in a time of urgency and stress is most difficult for officers. Naturally, they saw a threat to many thousands of people and responded in the way that they were trained to. For others to claim that it is an "overreaction" or "violation of our liberties" is ridiculous and they will one day be forever grateful when men and women of law enforcement act in a similar manner, preventing an act of terror.
Ms. Simpson acted without regard for others and was completely irresponsible to wear something that could remotely resemble a bomb or dangerous weapon. We are now living in an era were terror is a legitimate threat in day-to-day life, particularly in places such as airports. Everyone knows that the security at any airport across the nation is at its tightest and the slightest security risk will be responded to with force. For Ms. Simpson to even attempt to claim ignorance or naivety would be absurd.
I wonder if the reaction at any other airport in the world, such as London's Heathrow Airport, LAX or New York's JFK would have exhibited the same calm, safe reaction, without injury or death. We should be grateful for such a response.
M. Hillman
Boston
The police at Logan should be commended for their astute observation and for the fact that they resolved the situation without having to use their weapons. The police did not know at the time that this was a hoax, it very well could have been the real thing. If that were the case and the police did not draw down on this girl and she blew up half of the airport, then your question would be, How come the police did not react better? It makes me sick that the police are the ones in question here. Just think if it were your family vacation and you saw her next to you in the airport. Would you think what a creative piece of art or would you be scared? There are places to express your creativity, even if it looks like a bomb, after 3000 people died on 9/11 THAT NO LONGER INCLUDES THE AIRPORT.
I hope she gets the maximum sentence.
Sarah, NH
How can someone that goes to Mit, be so stupid???
what was she thinking, going in to a airport
with"art" strapped to her chest
she should be thanking her star's
her family isn't indefining her body??
Mark Dannolfo
The police absolutely acted properly. I think the quote from your website "She's lucky to be in a cell as opposed to the morgue" sums up the situation perfectly. My 16-year-old son and I have a favorite comment for situations like this ala The Darwin Awards: People only get to be dumb up to a point---then they're dead.
This woman is a disgrace to both her sex and to MIT!
Anne Eddy
YES!! YES!! Yes!! I think the State Police and any other agency that protects our security did the right thing. Did it matter weather she was checking her boyfriends flight or sweeping the airport parking lot, if it looked like a "bomb" it could have been. I'd rather be safe, than sorry. The State Police have MY HIGHEST REGARDS IN THIS AND ANY INCIDENT INVOLVING SECURITY.
What an absolutely dumb thing this "smart" MIT Student did.
If she claims that she did it to stand out on "career day" she certainly did a great job of it. I hope potential employers take notice of her actions and slam her resume shut.
As for the State Police, post 9/11, THEY DID AN ABSOLUTELY GREAT JOB. GOD BLESS, NONE OF THOSE HARD WORKING GUYS OR ANY OTHERS WHERE INJURED, DUE TO HER STUPIDITY.
Jamie Kerr
I believe the police acted in the only manner left to them, considering the stupidity of this young woman. She says it was art. Well, I do not for one minute believe that was her motivation for doing this. She knew exactly what the reaction would be at the airport considering what has happened in the past few years; not only Sept 11, but the shootings at universities as well as many other acts of terrorism. It is difficult to realize that a person who is obviously highly intelligent would do something that would put fear into all those around her. She may be intelligent when it comes to books, but she certainly is far less than intelligent when it comes to common sense and common decency regarding the feelings of others.
I am appalled at the comments made by the two students from MIT who were interviewed. What a frightening thing to think that some of these people will one day run our country. Freedom does not mean one is free to hurt others just because they choose to or even to play games as Star was doing. She could very easily have been killed and left family and friends broken hearted because she wanted to make a point. Although, I really do not know what that point was.
Deanna
Somersworth, NH
The state police acted properly. Since 911 the number of bombings that have taken place left them no choice. The two MIT students sounded like idiots. I hope this isn't indicative of the MIT student populations feelings
DICK
Haverhill
I think the State Police acted appropriately. The girl is very lucky she was not shot. If she was shot then that too would be appropriate.
Terrorism is rampart all over the world. We can not ignore anyone who even looks like they are about to commit a terrorist act. This girl, no matter what her age is, acted foolishly and criminally. NO ONE has the right to cause concern about this sort of thing. Too many lives are at stake. If someone looks threatening then the police have to react with all necessary force.
Because of her actions she may cause a police person to hesitate when faced with a similar future situation. That hesitation could cost him/her and other their lives.
She is very lucky to be alive right now!
She should be charged with a crime.
Joe Macchia
Westminster Ma.
I TOTALLY AGREE WITH WHAT THE STATE POLICE DID! SHE IS VERY LUCKY SHE WASN'T KILLED! HOW STUPID CAN SHE BE! IT JUST GOES TO SHOW THAT BRAINS DOESN'T MEAN COMMON SENSE!! MAYBE IF SHE LOST SOMEONE IN 9/11 OR KILLED IN IRAQ, SHE WOULD NOT CONSIDER HER SHIRT A PIECE OF ART! THANK YOU, C.M. DUNCAN
IS MS SIMPSON RELATED TO OJ ?SHE PROVES THE POINT SAYING YOU CAN BE SMART BUT LACK COMMON SENSE
Stephanie K. Miller
Billerica
Security did not overreact today. Book smarts obviously do not guarantee common sense. And if the students who were interviewed by WBZ relative to the incident believe the police violated the foolish young woman's 1st Amendment rights, those students should be given mandatory classes in Constitutional Law and in responsible behavior.
Peter Hart
The MIT student not only acted inappropriately in the context of the modern world, it seems apparent that she intended to cause controversy. The "Art" was of poor quality and looked as if designed to raise concern. Why else hang a large 9v battery from the circuit, why carry imitation plastic explosives? How many MIT students walk around with Play-Dough in their pockets? The police acted correctly, and I causes me no concern that she could have been killed for a failure to act quickly to their commands. She should be imprisoned for the maximum period allowed for generating a hoax terrorist threat.
Robert Dudek
The Police acted in an appropriate way for a BOMB THREAT.
Star Simpson, could have expressed her art in art class.
The display of a "fake bomb" within a public building and especially
at an airport is a display
of laughing in the face of ALL Americans and supports the terrorists
who are threatening our country.
What kind of art was she expressing?
All this does is try to get homeland security used to pranks and drop
its defenses, which will then
let serious threats go undetected and encourage more terrorism and
worse execute Americans and
innocent people around the world.
$750 bail is outrageous ADD A few zeros and let her spend a few months
in jail before her lengthy trial.
Big Joke - who would be laughing now? Star Simpson and O.J. Simpson.
Wayne Gelardi
Salem NH
I don't feel that the State Police overreacted, their first responsibility is to the safety of the people at the terminal. A terrorist doesn't need to be on an airplane to set off a bomb or cause a tragedy. In 1985 gunman killed 16 people in two airports in Rome and Vienna, they weren't boarding airplanes. This young woman wasn't exercising her first amendment rights, she was yelling "Fire" in a crowded theater.
Tom K.
Fitchburg
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