Giant hotdog sparks Pentagon security alert

anova ^ | 21st June 2002

[Ranger]

The crew of a 27-foot-long hot dog on wheels have been questioned by police after straying on to a restricted road near the Pentagon.

The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile got lost while travelling through Washington on a year-long tour.

It ended up on a road which has been closed to commercial traffic since September 11.

The road is off limits to vehicles with six wheels or more because of fears someone could drive a truck bomb close to the Pentagon. The road is staffed round the clock by armed officers.

Motorist Carrie Witt, who was passing when the hotdog was pulled over, said: "Here was this very serious (security) detail and they're pulling over a cartoon truck. It's probably the most benign truck on the road - that's why it's so funny."

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports Will Keller and Paula Pendleton, both 22, were in the motorised hot dog which is touring community and charity events.

An Oscar Mayer spokeswoman said: "They were very apologetic. They just did not realise. They were sorry for any sort of traffic delay."

Virginia State Police spokeswoman Lucy Caldwell said: "Obviously, this was a mistake. This hot dog posed no threat to us."

[11th Earl of Mar]

Your title is mesleading. I thought Bill Clinton was setting off the metal detectors at the Pentagon.

[SamAdams76]

Motorist Carrie Witt, who was passing when the hotdog was pulled over, said: "Here was this very serious (security) detail and they're pulling over a cartoon truck. It's probably the most benign truck on the road - that's why it's so funny."

That is exactly what I would expect the terrorists to do. In fact, during Independence Day festivities, there are usually ice cream trucks everywhere. Let's hope security is checking them out. Using a "Good Humor" ice-cream truck would be an easy way for terrorists to try and get a bomb into a crowded area.

[chainsaw]

I thought Bill Clinton was setting off the metal detectors at the Pentagon.

With a bent implant??? LOL

[Bad~Rodeo]

Pardon moi, would you happen to have any Grey Poupon??

[Ranger]

True to form, the FBI is issuing a warning to the general public (after the fact) to be on the alert for 'hotdogs' in the Washington, D.C. area. In a separate note, Rep. Condit's lawyer says he has no knowledge of the incident.

[meenie]

The Wienermobile is a security threat that needs to be eliminated. No more Wienermobile in the capitol of the LAND of the FREE and the BRAVE.

[BigWaveBetty]

Put down the mustard and relish and step away from the wienie!

[RonDog]

Virginia State Police spokeswoman Lucy Caldwell said:
"Obviously, this was a mistake. This hot dog posed no threat to us."

"I wish I were an Oscar Mayer Homeland Security officer..."

"Please insert YOUR weiner-joke here" ping!