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Mamdani Inauguration Bans Raspberry Pi and Flipper Zero From Jan. 1 Block Party

Organizers have offered no technical explanation, prompting maker-community criticism about clarity and consistency.

Overview

  • The official prohibited-items list names Raspberry Pi and Flipper Zero alongside weapons, explosives, drones and laser pointers.
  • Adafruit first reported the list and said banning Raspberry Pi unfairly stigmatizes a tool widely used by educators and artists.
  • Reporters note that laptops and smartphones with comparable capabilities are not restricted, raising questions about consistency and enforcement.
  • Coverage details Flipper Zero’s multi‑radio, RFID and NFC functions that can interact with or emulate signals in ways security teams may view as risky.
  • The inauguration is an open New York City block party on January 1, and as of December 31 organizers have not amended the list or offered a technical rationale.