Today in history january 31 on this day 20250130 p5roh5.html – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
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TODAY IN HISTORY: Major city locked down over black boxes with cartoon character on them

Nick Pearson
Nick Pearson

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Police in Boston shut down multiple highways and mass transit stations after the sightings of dozens of what they believed to be explosive devices planted around the city on January 31, 2007.

Three dozen black boxes containing circuit boards and loose wiring were placed all around the city.

Attribution: Flickr
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Police were alarmed by the glowing lights and shut down much of the city.

Attribution: Getty
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It took hours for police to realise the boxes were merely promotional signs for a cartoon called Aqua Teen Hunger Force.

The LED signs of a cartoon character were installed around many cities in America as part of a guerrilla marketing campaign.

Attribution: Adult Swim
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Two men who installed the devices were charged with placing a hoax device to incite panic, though those charges were later dropped.

They agreed to instead make a public apology and do community service.

Attribution: Getty
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