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Today in History: Boston Officials Mistake Aqua Teen Signs for Bombs

1/31/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On January 31, 2007, Boston emergency officials mistakenly identified battery-powered LED placards featuring characters from the animated series Aqua Teen Hunger Force as improvised explosive devices. This error triggered widespread panic across Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville. The placards were part of a guerrilla marketing campaign for the film Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters.

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Story summary

On January 31, 2007, Boston emergency officials mistakenly identified battery-powered LED placards featuring characters from the animated series Aqua Teen Hunger Force as improvised explosive devices. This error triggered widespread panic across Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville. The placards were part of a guerrilla marketing campaign for the film Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters.