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"Grenade" That Shut Down World Financial Center Was Ordered By Bank Employee


By

John Del Signore

Published Apr 13, 2012

Modified Apr 13, 2012


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By

John Del Signore

Published Apr 13, 2012

Modified Apr 13, 2012


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Yesterday morning police evacuated 2 World Financial Center after workers in the mailroom spotted a "grenade" inside a UPS package. The bomb squad was called to the scene, and after further investigation it was determined that the grenade was actually a novelty item affixed to a wooden plaque with a sign that read: "Complaint Department. Please Take a Number." The gag, as you can see, is that the number is attached to the grenade pin, thus making complaining comically "fatal."

The NYPD says the grenade was ordered by an employee who told investigators he bought the item from a company that specializes in U.S. Marine Corps novelties. No charges were filed against the jokester, who works for Japanese investment bank Nomura Holdings, and a bank spokesman says the employee was placed on administrative leave for ordering the "inappropriate item." It's unclear if he'll face disciplinary action for bringing great shame upon Nomura Holdings, but he should probably cancel that order of Fart Bombs ASAP.

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grenades

nomura holdings

suspicious package


John Del Signore

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Originally from the Albany area, John Del Signore has called NYC home since 1995. In addition to his thousands of meticulously-crafted bespoke blog posts for Gothamist, his writing has also been published in The Awl, Deadspin, The Nervous Breakdown, and performed at The Brick Theater in Brooklyn.

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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


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