Three weeks after they were put up, police and other authorities in Boston Wednesday suspected that blinking electronic devices emblazoned with a cartoon character from the popular show "Aqua Teen Hunger Force" were actually explosive devices. The flashing electronic signs were placed in nine other cities across the country but it was only in Boston that the threat was eventually recognized due to the presence of "wires" on the signs. Highways, bridges, and river traffic were shut down all day throughout the city while everyone tried to figure out what it all meant. Mayor Thomas Menino has estimated the costs in Boston alone would be more than $500,000 and over a million dollars for surrounding areas. Phil Kent, Turner Broadcasting's chairman and CEO (the show airs on Turner's Cartoon Network), apologized in very expensive full-page ads in Boston newspapers for "the confusion and inconvenience." In addition, the head of Cartoon Network has resigned, Turner Broadcasting has given two million dollars in "compensation" to Boston, and two local artists have been charged with "placing a hoax device" and face five years in prison. The city is still considering suing for damages caused by anxiety, stress, fear, and ignorance.
Michael Chertoff, Secretary of Homeland Security, called the mayor Thursday morning and congratulated the city for acting responsibly.