Digital Signs on Little Falls Parkway Removed After Being Hacked

Electronic signs have been removed from Little Falls Parkway in Bethesda after repeated hackings turned from innocent pranks to political messaging.

The signs had been erected along Little Falls Parkway after Montgomery Parks partially closed the roadway to vehicular traffic. Permanent partial closure is currently being considered.

Local blogger Robert Dyer first spotted the confusing signage earlier this month, with the boards displaying messages like “Hyena Crossing,”  “Wooden Horse,” and “Luv U.” Other hacks included a shoutout to an Instagram account and a TikTok trend where users recreate the iconic and unique Adult Swim channel commercial bump.

While the previous seemingly innocuous messages had otherwise gone unpenalized, new “LETS GO BRANDON” political messaging on the hacked boards over the weekend was the last straw for Montgomery Parks.

The covert slogan gained popularity among far right political groups after NBC Sports broadcaster Kelli Stavast misheard a chant at the Talladega Superspeedway during the Sparks 300 race on Oct. 2, 2021. The misunderstanding sparked an Internet meme, and the phrase “Let’s Go Brandon” became a stand-in for a profane slogan disparaging President Joe Biden.

Montgomery Parks had the signs pulled down to signs shortly thereafter. As of July 19, the compromised boards are back in custody of contractor National Capital Industries.