Exactly! Just one bomb squad police could have determined this was not a threat in a minute. Only idiots push the big red button.
Unfortunately, due to the configuration of the first one they found, they apparently had to close off a major highway before they could investigate. Once something like that is done, it's too late. The Big Red Button has already been pressed.
Can you imagine the conversation? "Chief, we need to close I-92 one way for a half hour... Why? Well, there is a suspicious device attached to a pillar that we have to investigate... Well, it's flat and black and so-by-so big and has wires and lights on it... What do you mean they found one just like it in the basement of Tufts Hospital?..." And it's off to the races!