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9/11 Truther Talked His Way Past Heavy Security To Crash Post-Super Bowl Press Conference

Jen Chung

Published Feb 3, 2014

Modified Feb 3, 2014

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Jen Chung

Published Feb 3, 2014

Modified Feb 3, 2014

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Last night, during Super Bowl MVP Malcolm Smith's press conference, a man wandered onto the dais and shouted, "Investigate 9/11. 9/11 was perpetrated by people within our own government."

The 9/11 truther, Matthew Mills, was quickly hustled off the stage, and the NJ State Police says he was charged with criminal trespassing. Mills told NJ.com that "his aim was just to get close to MetLife Stadium—which had layers of security in what's supposed to be the most secure sporting event in the United States—so he could conduct some fan interviews."

Mills, who lives in Brooklyn and works with We Are Change, said that he got onto an employee bus at Secaucus Junction:

Around Mills' neck was an old credential from a festival he covered, a rectangular badge that, at quick glance, didn't look too dissimilar from the ones issued to media members, team employees and others who worked the Super Bowl.

He also used a common refrain whenever hassled by security, which is supposed verify each credential or ticket with a barcode along with putting attendees through other security screenings.

"I just said I was running late for work and I had to get in there," Mills said. "It was that simple."

Mills said he got through multiple layers of security using that bogus story.

"I didn't think that I'd get that far," Mill said. "I just kept getting closer and closer. Once I got past the final gate and into the stadium, I was dumbfounded."

He made it into the media tent and eventually made his national TV debut. Smith, the Seattle Seahawks' linebacker, recovered, saying, "Check his press pass."

After his arrest, Mills was released on his own recognizance. In addition to theories that the Bush administration and the CIA were responsible for 9/11, many "Truthers" also believe the collapse of World Trade Center Building 7 was the result of a controlled demolition.

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9/11 truther

Malcolm Smith

ny nj super bowl

super bowl

Jen Chung

Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

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