Phantom Fireworks Responds to Terrorist Threats
In light of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, when Tamerlan and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev were connected to a firework-filled bomb, Phantom Fireworks’ executives took immediate action. They promptly searched their records and found that one of the brothers had bought fireworks from a store in New Hampshire. Since then, if any terrorist suspect appears in the news tied to fireworks or homemade explosives, the company follows a similar protocol.
This procedure was revisited recently after suspects involved in an alleged ISIS-inspired plot in New York City became known. Hours following this latest incident, a call came from the home of a family member related to one of the suspects.
Phantom Fireworks revealed that, on March 2, at 12:46 PM, an 18-year-old named Emil Barratt purchased a 20-foot coil of green consumer safety fuse at a Pennsylvania store for just $6.89. At that moment, it seemed like a regular transaction.
The surveillance footage captured Barratt paying and waiting while his driver’s license was scanned, after which he left with a small package. However, this purchase gained attention after his name linked to the terror plot near the residence of New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani surfaced.
Phantom Fireworks Vice President Bill Weimer expressed unease about the alarming changes in their industry. He remarked that such transactions feel invasive and wrong, indicating that the company traditionally associates its products with celebrations rather than terror.
“It seems natural for a young person to come into a fireworks store and buy something,” Weimer said. Still, the way Barratt intended to utilize the fuse transformed an ordinary purchase into a matter of concern.
Essentially, the item Barratt bought isn’t designed to be explosive; it’s a slow-burning fuse, generally used in consumer fireworks. Weimer described it as having a similar thickness to twine and noted that it serves as a safety feature, allowing it to extinguish after a certain period.
Among their extensive records, Phantom Fireworks keeps transaction logs from the past 20 years. They have systems that scan driver’s licenses and retain purchase details in accordance with state regulations, providing precise timestamps that facilitate quick access to surveillance footage when necessary.
Weimer indicated that whenever a terrorist suspect’s name comes up, they act almost reflexively, especially if fireworks are mentioned. He also highlighted a history of transparency with law enforcement, incorporating lessons from past incidents like the Boston bombings and the failed Times Square bombing attempt.
They maintain their tracking systems not only for compliance but also as an important tool when violent events arise. According to Weimer, each time an association like this occurs, it negatively impacts their business. He expressed concern that potential customers might think twice about buying fireworks, which could have broader implications.
