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I'm not sure why people keep highlighting the fact that Simpson is an MIT comp student. That information only reinforces the notion that one can turn a breadboard and a few LEDs into a deadly bomb. Not to mention the clay she was carrying.
In NC we have a General Statute that says you "cannot go armed to the terror of the public". It basically means that your right to own and carry a gun (any weapon) has some restrictions. Those restrictions are partly determined by the public's perception to and reaction of a person walking around "strapped".
I immediately recognized the device as a breadboard, used for building temporary circuits. However, I couldn't tell you what that circuitry is simply by looking at it. I defy anyone else to either. Nor can one tell what it might be hooked to under her jacket. Add the lump of clay, her reluctance or hesitation to answer questions about the circuit board, and it seems reasonable enough to question the woman. By all accounts the airport staff and cops did their jobs. The woman is alive because of the officers’ professionalism and training.
On another note, the WBZTV reporting of the incident was smarmy.
“The employee questioned her about the device… so Simpson left.”
So Simpson left? That’s an interesting conclusion. And she was definitely getting wet using the words “MP5 machine gun”.
This whole incident is such a nonstarter. The government erosion of civil liberties is a big enough problem without trying to defend every selfish individual’s thoughtless disregard of the public’s fears. I’m all for freedom of artistic expression. But individuals' freedoms and public safety have to be reconciled.
