Police ready for potential Flyers flash mob
Philadelphia Flyers news on Philly.com
Police ready for potential Flyers flash mob
The Flyers, Blackhawks and Philadelphia Police are prepared for the worst.
But they’re hoping it doesn’t come to that.
FOX 29 reported a notice brewing on Facebook and Twitter today about Flyers fans preparing for a flash mob this afternoon in Center City to attack the Blackhawks’ bus as it leaves for the Wachovia Center.
The group allegedly plans to arrive at the Four Seasons, at Logan Square on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, to cause havoc. A group of bikers – though it was not clear whether bicyclists or motorcyclers would take part – are to follow Chicago’s bus on its route to South Philadelphia.
The Flyers will not comment on the issue, other than to say that the Blackhawks’ bus will have a full police escort to the arena.
Similarly, the Philadelphia Police have acknowledged the threat but will not comment on specific deterrents, as per department policy. They are prepared to take action.
Flash mobs, or groups of people – generally younger high school and college-aged students – convene rapidly on a location and word is spread via social media and text messages. As the New York Times said in a recent story, flash mobs are part bullying and part running of the bulls. They have caused thousands of dollars worth of damage on multiple attacks on South Street.
They are not unique to Philadelphia, having surfaced in Boston, Brooklyn, N.Y., and South Orange, N.J. The FBI has monitored social media networks to try and prevent future attacks.
For the latest updates, follow Frank Seravalli on Twitter (http://twitter.com/DNFlyers).
Game's over...Flyboys won...Flashmob??? I think not, only happy hockey fans!!— dogman5
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Don't Toews me, bro!- Comment removed.
I pretty sure we the people have the constitutional right to peaceful assembly— Buddacon- this is all you had to report on.— byoak
- this is all you had to report on.— byoak
- Way to put a spin on what the actual plan of action, Frank. Seriously, how did you ever get a job with a major newspaper writing such Bullsh.it?— Kanayd
- *impede the bus. I should start proofreading.— phillyfan412
- This is irresponsible journalism and downright false. As others have pointed out, the group is a group of bicyclists, not motorcycles (as is clearly stated on the Facebook page). It was not intended to be an "attack" or "flash mob" in any way, shape or form. In fact, it clearly states not to impeded the buss in any way and treat the Blackhawks and hotel employees, as well with other cars with respect. This is shameful and lazy journalism at its finest.— phillyfan412
- flyers going down!— nutterbutter
- So, the time has come and past. Where's your update on the "attack" by the "bikers". Did the Pagans firebomb the bus or not?— PhillyKev72
- "Feel free to use your night stick officer" - Eddie Murphy from Trading Places— BResponsible
- Jimbeau... he looks more like the bully big brother from "The Wonder Years". Maybe he is that dude.— mrbean
It says their suppose to remain respectful. Quit making more of this than it is... oh and guys... ...please remain respectful.— flyler- i just love his Gumby/Bart Simpson/finger in outlet hair!!!— jimbeau
- i just love his Gumby/Bart Simpson/finger in outlet hair!!!— jimbeau
- As long as the game gets played and the Flyers win!— Fabulous
- This so called journalist is an idiot. How long would it take to find the actual posts. First of all, it is clearly stated that people on BICYCLES were going to follow the bus down Broad St. No where does it say to "attack" the bus. In fact, they clearly state to remain respectful, don't block the bus, don't block traffic, just show support for the team. Get a new job you two bit hack.— PhillyKev72
- How did this moron ever get a job as a hockey reporter anyway? He was probably taking ice dancing lessons while the other neighborhood kids were playing hockey.— TomM
Flyers Fans are the best in the NHL. How crazy do you think the Flyers fans will react if they win the cup in game 6 at the Wachovia Center. Go Flyers— briandawkins20- He must not realize that you don't have to be 21 to join FB.— BoDiva
- Sounds more like Dooshbaggery to me.— Rabe56
- Hope PPD charged their tasers.— stonefly
- I guess Frank didn't read the actual Facebook page...this isn't a "flash mob", its was a group of people on bicycles wearing orange and black that were going to follow the bus on its route to the stadium. The bottom on the page even tells people to be careful and absolutely do not block the bus in any way...they just want the 'Hawks looking out and seeing all orange as they drive into the stadium...I think its a great idea.— TheLlama
- This may really scare Big Buff, and 20 Cent Kane.— BobbyD
