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Over the weekend, a property owner in Virginia caused a bomb squad response after placing a booby-trapped political sign on their property. However, authorities have clarified that this action is actually legal.
A resident of Loudon County put up a banner featuring a modified photo of Vice President Kamala Harris holding a sign that says, “I helped create this mess!” The image of Harris is accompanied by the statement, “Day one for me was Jan, 2021.”
According to a report from local outlet Fox 5, the sign had been rigged with shotgun shells, which appeared to be filled with gunpowder, according to a resident.
According to Thomas Julia, the Media Relations and Communications Director of the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, a resident reported a suspicious device on Saturday morning. The concerned citizen noticed a device attached to a tree with a fishing line that extended to a sign.
According to King, he stumbled upon the sign, managed to find a camera to capture images of individuals in proximity to the sign, and came across a contraption in the forest that seemed like an improvised explosive device. He described it as a homemade device constructed with shotgun shells and what seemed to be gunpowder.
The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office and Fire Marshal’s Office swiftly responded to the call, accompanied by a bomb squad, as reported by Fox 5. However, upon investigation, it was determined that the device had been specifically designed to emit a loud noise if interfered with.
Julia confirmed that the device does, in fact, use shotgun shells. According to Julia, although it may be uncommon, it is not against the law.
According to Fox 5, the sheriff’s office advised the owner to place “No Trespassing” warnings near the sign. The owner has followed this advice.
According to Julia, some residents still have concerns about the sign, particularly because the community Homeowners Association is now involved in the case.
