DV Cams: Agents Shafer, EMartin, Reeves, Carlson Digital Photography: Agents Nicholson, Todd Mission Inspired By: Agent Slavinsky
The idea for this mission was submitted by a stranger via email. Agent Slavinsky wrote in to suggest I get either a large group of people in blue polo shirts and khakis to enter a Best Buy or a group in red polo shirts and khakis to enter a Target. Wearing clothing almost identical to the store’s uniform, the agents would not claim to work at the store but would be friendly and helpful if anyone had a question. There aren’t any Targets in Manhattan, so I decided to go with the two-story Best Buy on 23rd Street.
This is the actual decision as written by the transit court in dismissing Agent Omega (real name omitted from the document for her privacy) from the charges brought against her for riding the subway pantless this past January. The other 7 agents ticketed had their cases dropped last month. This one took longer because Agent Omega overslept and missed her first court date. Officer Panton (yes, his real name) appeared and testified that it was a “fun day”. Read the whole document– it’s hilarious.
Agent Omega had her case dropped this morning! And there was a hearing with Officer Panton present!! IE lawyer Special Agent Dobrawsky sends in this quote:
“It was a fun day.”
- PO Panton, Transit District 4
The judge has decided to overturn his decision in the No Pants case on account of it being April Fools Day today!
Forgive us our silliness, and thanks to everyone who expressed sincere concern. April Fools hoax aside, we always appreciate your support.
In all seriousness, this week 7 of the 8 court cases were entirely dismissed! One IE Agent overslept and missed her court appearance, so she’s been rescheduled for next month. We’re counting on hers to be dismissed as well.
Huge thanks to Special Agent Michelle Dobrawsky who represented the entire group pro bono. After her quick presentation, the judge immediately agreed that no crime had been committed.
This past Wednesday in a Manhattan criminal court, the 8 Improv Everywhere agents nabbed in the “No Pants 2k6″ Mission were found guilty of “Disorderly Conduct” and sentenced to the maximum sentence of 15 days in prison at the Riker’s Island Correctional Facility (five male agents) and the Rose M. Singer Center (three female agents). We have delayed making this information public for several days as their attorney was investigating the feasibility of an appeal. It has now been made clear to us that no appeal will be granted. The 8 agents began their 15-day sentence today.
This is an incredible injustice. I am absolutely amazed that what was meant as a fun, harmless event resulted in such a ridiculous inconvenience for 8 law-abiding New Yorkers. Next weekend we will be organizing a pantless rally outside of city hall. More information to come very soon.
Improv Everywhere causes scenes of chaos and joy in public places. Created in August of 2001 by Charlie Todd, Improv Everywhere has executed over 100 missions involving tens of thousands of undercover agents. The group is based in New York City.
