Trump Campaign and RNC Staff Evacuate Florida Offices Following a Prank
A recent “suspicious incident” at the Republican National Committee offices in West Palm Beach, Florida, which led to an evacuation of staff, is believed to be a practical joke, according to local authorities.
Officials reported that three small “chirping devices” were discovered under desks last Thursday, as indicated in a police report retrieved by YSL News. The New York Times was the first to cover this story.
Initially, employees were concerned that these gadgets, which were less than two inches in size, might be audio surveillance devices. Consequently, around 50 individuals were evacuated as a precaution, according to the police.
It turns out that these devices were not spying tools, but rather annoying plastic noise makers that were likely intended to disrupt the workplace.
According to local law enforcement, these gadgets, which chirp and screech, can be easily purchased from Amazon. They are designed to make random sounds that resemble beeping or crickets at intervals of 5 to 25 minutes and are marketed as an amusing April Fools’ Day prank for friends or colleagues.
While the devices were harmless, concerns about potential malicious activities were not unfounded.
Recently, the FBI confirmed that it is investigating possible Iranian cyber agents attempting to breach the Trump campaign’s online security. Additionally, Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign reported a failed hacking attempt targeting them as well.
Officials have stated that the person responsible for the prank remains unidentified.
Both the RNC and Trump campaign have yet to respond to requests for further comment.
Contributors: Dan Morrison and Marina Pitofsky, YSL News