Is There a Killer Among Us  —or Irresponsible Bad Actor?

 

Social post created reasonable concern of threat to the safety 2024 OOH Conference

On the eve of the 2024 OOH Media Conference, police were called in response to an alleged LinkedIn post by ‘a digital marketer’ that arguably intimated a potential violent killing threat. It mentioned ‘Carlsbad,’ the site of the Annual OOH Conference, and, according to the Police statement below, the ‘OAAA CEO.’

Before the outdoor advertising industry’s must-attend annual event, the OOH Media Conference, the OAAA was busy with last-minute preparations. The theme, “Our Moment,” aimed to inspire unity and collaboration among nearly 1,000 attendees. The event plan boasted dozens of speakers across tens of informative breakout sessions. It was adorned with all the trimmings of a first-class event, including multiple social activities, parties and dinners.

Then an email arrived. Another email, a text message, another text message. Emails and texts were rolling in. ‘Did you see the conference threat?’

It was a post on an organization’s LinkedIn page, mentioning Carlsbad, where the OOH Media Conference would be held, and tagging the ‘OAAA CEO.’ (See the Carlsbad City Police statement below.) Here is the LinkedIn post as OOH Today was able to retrieve it weeks after the initial was reported posted —LinkedIn post.

The alleged threat was an AI video clip from the movie Zombieland, which is rated R for bloody violence, language throughout, and some drug and sexual content. The post’s author allegedly captioned it, “Landing in Carlsbad like…”

OOH Today found a post with the above text and movie clip but did not see the ‘OAAA CEO’ tagged in it, as police statement reported. A source, requesting anonymity, says they also saw the CEO tagged in the post and that the video was longer in duration with more violence. The anonymous source said deep concern fell over them as they watched the distressing video clip.

The video OOH Today saw was filled with violent, bloody imagery: a shooter brandishing a shotgun and handgun, smashing a skull with a guitar, and menacing someone with clippers.

Imagine the distress that gripped the OOH Executives and support staff the night before a thousand of OOH’s best and brightest were to gather.

Most had already arrived at the resort, set to attend the conference.

Reviewing the comments and video, what did the violent post mean?

On what level should this video be considered a credible threat?

Was there a plan for mass violence? Was the CEO a specific target?

Erring on the side of caution, executives notified Omni La Costa Resort Security, who in turn contacted the Carlsbad Police Department for support and immediate assistance.

In a statement obtained by OOH Today from the Carlsbad police, (a screen shot of the actual response provided shown below), confirmed no crime had occurred. Yet, the undercurrent of fear and concern was undeniable. The officer coordinated with Omni La Costa Resort Security to ensure extra patrols during the conference—just in case. Thanks to both organizations— La Costa Resort Security and Carlsbad Police for making that decision.

The statement shared with us by the Carlsbad Police Department said,

“On April 29, 2024, La Costa Resort Security contacted us about a zombie movie clip they had seen on social media posted by a digital marketer who “tagged” the CEO of Out of Home Advertising Association of America. An officer responded and confirmed that no crime had taken place. To enhance security and ensure everyone felt safe, the officer worked with Omni La Costa Resort Security to arrange extra patrols at the resort during the conference. The collaborative effort aimed to maintain a secure environment for all attendees.”  City of Carlsbad, Denise Ramirez, PIO, Carlsbad Police Department

A screen shot of the police report below.

A sigh of relief swept through the organizers when the event concluded without incident. No bad actors had emerged with assault weapons and machetes. Only the video.

The executives handled the potential threat with commendable poise and responsibility, ensuring the success of this year’s OOH event despite the looming fear they undoubtedly felt.

Imagine if no one had reported their concerns and the alleged threat was actually carried out?

Yet the shadow remains. This individual is still wielding a platform in the industry. Remarkably, the post garnered a few likes and supporters.  Is this a chilling testament to the darkness lurking within our community? Or simply naivety and social media FOMO pressure?

Let’s stop supporting people who threaten violence. Ignoring it only emboldens the bad actors among us. Bad actors hurt our entire OOH Industry.