Full Breakdown
Hacked Crosswalks in Denver Broadcast Anti-Trump Messages
3/17/2026, 12:24:25 PM
Overview of the Incident
In a peculiar incident in Denver, two crosswalk audio signals along East Colfax Avenue were hacked, broadcasting vulgar anti-Trump messages when the "Walk" signal was activated. The affected locations were at North Pearl Street and North Washington Street, as confirmed by Nancy Kuhn, Communications Director for the Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI). The hacked audio drew significant attention on social media, with videos capturing the incident circulating widely.
Technical Background
The crosswalk push-buttons, which were newly installed and not yet operational, were still bagged and retained their factory settings, including a default password that was reportedly easy to find online. Kuhn noted that the devices had recently been powered on, leading to the vulnerability that allowed the hack. Following the incident, the city changed the passwords to prevent future occurrences.
Community Reaction
Local residents expressed mixed reactions to the hacking. Damian Meldgaard, a nearby resident, described his surprise and amusement, stating, "I was enamored. I loved it. It made my day." Many in the community seemed to appreciate the unexpected messages, with some even wishing to record the audio for personal enjoyment. This indicates a level of acceptance or humor regarding the incident among certain community members.
Cybersecurity Insights
Daniel Pittman, a cybersecurity expert from Metropolitan State University of Denver, explained that such hacks are not uncommon, particularly due to weak or default credentials. He emphasized that many devices, including construction signs and electronic systems, often have publicly available default passwords, making them susceptible to hacking. Pittman noted, "It only takes one try," highlighting the ease with which hackers can exploit these vulnerabilities.
Official Responses
The DOTI has confirmed that the crosswalks have been fixed and that the passwords have been updated to prevent similar incidents in the future. Kuhn stated that the department does not anticipate a repeat of this situation at the affected locations. However, the Denver Police Department has not disclosed whether any suspects have been identified or if charges will be filed related to the hacking.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the incident has garnered significant attention, there is a lack of information regarding the timeline of the hack, including when the crosswalks were first compromised and when they were repaired. Additionally, the Denver Police Department's silence on potential suspects raises questions about the investigation's progress.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Did that say (expletive) Trump?” — Pedestrian, onlookers' reaction to the hacked audio.
- “I had to gather myself and think, 'Did I really hear that?' And, then, I was enamored. I loved it. It made my day. It was absolutely what I needed to hear.” — Damian Meldgaard, local resident.
