Crime
FBI mistakenly enter Boston hotel room, interrogate man during training exercise
FBI-Boston division agents were helping Department of Defense officials carry out a training exercise “to simulate a situation their personnel might encounter in a deployed environment”
April 6, 2023 9:21am
Updated: April 6, 2023 9:21am
Defense Department agents mistakenly entered a hotel room and questioned a civilian during a training exercise in Boston on Tuesday, according to an FBI spokesperson.
FBI-Boston division agents were helping Department of Defense officials carry out a training exercise “to simulate a situation their personnel might encounter in a deployed environment” at the Revere Hotel on Stuart Street, the FBI said.
"The training was meant to enhance soldiers' skills to operate in realistic and unfamiliar environments. The training team, unfortunately, entered the wrong room and detained an individual unaffiliated with the exercise," said Defense Department spokesperson, Lt. Col. Mike Burns, said in a statement.
The man, a Delta Air Lines pilot in his 30s who was a guest at the hotel, was handcuffed and interrogated for nearly an hour before the agents realized they had the wrong room, according to sources.
Hotel security was notified of the incident and contacted the Boston police. "The Boston Police Department responded to the scene and confirmed that this was indeed a training exercise," Burns added.
"First and foremost, we'd like to extend our deepest apologies to the individual who was affected by the training exercise," Burns continued. "The safety of civilians in the vicinity of our training is always our number one concern."
EMS was called to the hotel to evaluate the pilot. However, he refused treatment.
"Safety is always a priority of the FBI and our law enforcement partners, and we take these incidents very seriously," the FBI added. "The Boston Division is reviewing the incident with DOD for further action as deemed appropriate.
A Delta Airlines spokesperson said the company is investigating reports of the incident that may involve one of its employees.
"We have nothing further to share at this time other than to reaffirm our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our people," the Delta spokesperson said in a statement.
