Hacked Road Sign Changed To Include Racial Slur About Trayvon Martin

A road sign on a Michigan freeway was hacked early Monday morning and its message changed to "Trayvon A Nigger."

According to Rob Morosi, a spokesman for the state's department of transportation, someone had broken the lock on the sign's controls and changed the message warning of construction to the message with the slur. "We were first alerted to it a little after midnight," he told the Huffington Post. "By 12:50 a.m. it was returned to the [appropriate message]."

"Not too many people saw it but it was long enough to make people very upset," Morosi said, adding that the state police now had the sign and were investigating the incident. "We're just hoping they're able to gather evidence, determine who it is and take appropriate action."

Trayvon Martin, a 17-year-old from Miami Gardens, Fla., was shot and killed by a self-appointed neighborhood watch member in the gated community where his father lived. His shooter, who said the unarmed teenager looked suspicious before following him. Protesters around the country have called for the shooter, George Zimmerman, to be arrested and prosecuted for the killing, which Zimmerman said happened in self-defense.

Morosi said that hacking into the portable road signs is not uncommon, but the pranksters are usually much more benign in their messaging. "Prior to this they've all been quirky, you know aliens ahead and zombies," he said. "It's more of a nuisance and we have to get someone out there to fix it."

"When you take it to this level now you've raised the bar in terms of how appalled we all were."

"In all seriousness, not only was the sign completely inappropriate but it was actually a traffic hazard," he said. "People were slowing down and stopping altogether. On a 70 mph freeway at 1 o'clock in the morning, that's not something you want."

Loading Slideshow

• Trayvon Martin Photos

  Benjamin Crump, attorney, for the family of the late Trayvon Martin, talks to the media after the release of 911 call at the Sanford City Hall on Friday, March 16, 2012 in Sanford, Fla. Martin, 17, was shot to death after being confronted by Sanford neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman, 28, on February 26, 2012. Zimmerman told Sanford Police that he shot the unarmed black teenager in self-defense. Family members are calling for Zimmerman's arrest. Credit: David Manning for The Huffington Post

• Trayvon Martin Photos

  Benjamin Crump, attorney, for the family of the late Trayvon Martin, talks to the media after the release of 911 call at the Sanford City Hall on Friday, March 16, 2012 in Sanford, Fla. Credit: David Manning for The Huffington Post

• Trayvon Martin Photos

  Benjamin Crump, attorney, for the family of the late Trayvon Martin, talks to the media after the release of 911 call at the Sanford City Hall on Friday, March 16, 2012 in Sanford, Fla. Credit: David Manning for The Huffington Post

• Trayvon Martin Photos

  A memorial for the late Trayvon Martin sits at the neighborhood where he was shot on Friday, March 16, 2012 in Sanford, Fla. Martin, 17, was shot to death after being confronted by Sanford neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman, 28, on February 26, 2012. Zimmerman, white, told Sanford Police that he shot the unarmed black teenager in self-defense. Family members are calling for Zimmerman's arrest. Credit: David Manning for The Huffington Post

• Trayvon Martin Photos

  Local historian and activist Francis Oliver adjusts a memorial she placed for the late Trayvon Martin at the neighborhood where he was shot on Friday, March 16, 2012 in Sanford, Fla. Credit: David Manning for The Huffington Post

• Trayvon Martin Photos

  Valera Pinkard, of Orlando, Fla., holds a sign near a memorial for the late Trayvon Martin at the neighborhood where he was shot on Friday, March 16, 2012 in Sanford, Fla. Credit: David Manning for The Huffington Post

• Trayvon Martin Photos

  Sybrina Fulton, mother, of the late Trayvon Martin, addresses the media with Martin's father Tracy Martin, left, on Friday, March 16, 2012 in Orlando, Fla. Credit: David Manning for The Huffington Post

• Trayvon Martin Photos

  Sybrina Fulton, mother, of the late Trayvon Martin, left, hugs Selma Mora Lamilla, after addressing the media on Friday, March 16, 2012 in Orlando, Fla. Credit: David Manning for The Huffington Post

• Tracy Martin, father, of the late Trayvon Martin, addresses the media on Friday, March 16, 2012 in Orlando, Fla. Credit: David Manning for The Huffington Post

• Trayvon Martin Photos

  Benjamin Crump, attorney for the family of the late Trayvon Martin, addresses the media on Friday, March 16, 2012 in Orlando, Fla. Credit: David Manning for The Huffington Post

• Trayvon Martin Photos

  Tracy Martin, father, of the late Trayvon Martin, addresses the media on Friday, March 16, 2012 in Orlando, Fla. Credit: David Manning for The Huffington Post

• A Million Hoodies March Protests Death Of Trayvon Martin

  NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 21: Supporters of Trayvon Martin rally in Union Square during a 'Million Hoodie March' in Manhattan on March 21, 2012 in New York City. Thousands of protesters turned out to demonstrate against the killing of the black unarmed teenager by a white neighborhood watch captain. The protesters marched through the streets after holding a large rally in Union Square. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• A Million Hoodies March Protests Death Of Trayvon Martin

  NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 21: Supporters of Trayvon Martin rally in Union Square during a 'Million Hoodie March' in Manhattan on March 21, 2012 in New York City. Thousands of protesters turned out to demonstrate against the killing of the black unarmed teenager by a white neighborhood watch captain. The protesters marched through the streets after holding a large rally in Union Square. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• A Million Hoodies March Protests Death Of Trayvon Martin

  NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 21: Supporters of Trayvon Martin rally in Union Square during a 'Million Hoodie March' in Manhattan on March 21, 2012 in New York City. Thousands of protesters turned out to demonstrate against the killing of the black unarmed teenager by a white neighborhood watch captain. The protesters marched through the streets after holding a large rally in Union Square. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• A Million Hoodies March Protests Death Of Trayvon Martin

  NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 21: Supporters of Trayvon Martin rally in Union Square during a 'Million Hoodie March' in Manhattan on March 21, 2012 in New York City. Thousands of protesters turned out to demonstrate against the killing of the black unarmed teenager by a white neighborhood watch captain. The protesters marched through the streets after holding a large rally in Union Square. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• A Million Hoodies March Protests Death Of Trayvon Martin

  NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 21: Supporters of Trayvon Martin rally in Union Square during a 'Million Hoodie March' in Manhattan on March 21, 2012 in New York City. Thousands of protesters turned out to demonstrate against the killing of the black unarmed teenager by a white neighborhood watch captain. The protesters marched through the streets after holding a large rally in Union Square. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• A Million Hoodies March Protests Death Of Trayvon Martin

  NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 21: Supporters of Trayvon Martin rally in Union Square during a 'Million Hoodie March' in Manhattan on March 21, 2012 in New York City. Thousands of protesters turned out to demonstrate against the killing of the black unarmed teenager by a white neighborhood watch captain. The protesters marched through the streets after holding a large rally in Union Square. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• A Million Hoodies March Protests Death Of Trayvon Martin

  NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 21: Supporters of Trayvon Martin block traffic as they march on W. 14th Street during a 'Million Hoodie March' in Manhattan on March 21, 2012 in New York City. Thousands of protesters turned out to demonstrate against the killing of the black unarmed teenager by a white neighborhood watch captain. The protesters took to the streets after holding a large rally in Union Square. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• A Million Hoodies March Protests Death Of Trayvon Martin

  NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 21: Tracy Martin (L), and Sybrina Fulton, parents of slain teenager Trayvon Martin, address supporters at a Million Hoodies March on March 21, 2012 in New York City. Family members joined hundreds of protesters calling for justice in the killing of Trayvon Martin, 17, who was was pursued and shot on February 26 in Sanford, Florida by 'neighborhood watch' member George Zimmerman, reportedly because the teenager's hoodie made him look suspicious. Under Florida's 'Stand Your Ground' law, Zimmerman has not been charged with a crime in the shooting. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)

• A Million Hoodies March Protests Death Of Trayvon Martin

  NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 21: Sybrina Fulton, mother of slain teenager Trayvon Martin, speaks at the Million Hoodies March on March 21, 2012 in New York City. The family members joined hundreds of protesters calling for justice in the killing of Trayvon Martin, 17, who was was pursued and shot on February 26 in Sanford, Florida by 'neighborhood watch' member George Zimmerman, reportedly because the teenager's hoodie made him look suspicious. Under Florida's 'Stand Your Ground' law, Zimmerman has not been charged with a crime in the shooting. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)

• Federal Government To Investigate Shooting Of Unarmed Teen Trayvon Martin

  MIAMI, FL - MARCH 21: Protesters hold cans of ice tea and Skittles which is what the 17-year-old Trayvon Martin is reported to have been carrying when he was killed by neighborhood watch person, George Zimmerman on February 26 in Sanford, Florida, on March 21, 2012 in Miami, Florida. The Justice Department and the FBI opened an investigation into the death of the black teenager, and the local state attorney announced that he had asked a grand jury to investigate. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

• Federal Government To Investigate Shooting Of Unarmed Teen Trayvon Martin

  MIAMI, FL - MARCH 21: Protesters hold cans of ice tea and Skittles which is what the 17-year-old Trayvon Martin is reported to have been carrying when he was killed by neighborhood watch person, George Zimmerman on February 26 in Sanford, Florida, on March 21, 2012 in Miami, Florida. The Justice Department and the FBI opened an investigation into the death of the black teenager, and the local state attorney announced that he had asked a grand jury to investigate. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

• Shooting Death Of Unarmed Teen Trayvon Martin Sparks National Outrage

  SANFORD, FL - MARCH 22: A reporter waits to broadcast at a rally for slain teenager Trayvon Martin on March 22, 2012 in Sanford, Florida. Sanford Police Department Chief Bill Lee announced today he will temporarily step down following the killing of the black unarmed teenager by a white and Hispanic neighborhood watch captain. Rev. Al Sharpton organized today's rally. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• Shooting Death Of Unarmed Teen Trayvon Martin Sparks National Outrage

  SANFORD, FL - MARCH 22: Protesters demonstrate at a rally for slain teenager Trayvon Martin on March 22, 2012 in Sanford, Florida. Sanford Police Department Chief Bill Lee announced today he will temporarily step down following the killing of the black unarmed teenager by a white and Hispanic neighborhood watch captain. Rev. Al Sharpton organized today's rally. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• Shooting Death Of Unarmed Teen Trayvon Martin Sparks National Outrage

  SANFORD, FL - MARCH 22: People attend a rally for slain teenager Trayvon Martin on March 22, 2012 in Sanford, Florida. Sanford Police Department Chief Bill Lee announced today he will temporarily step down following the killing of the black unarmed teenager by a white and Hispanic neighborhood watch captain. Rev. Al Sharpton organized today's rally. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• Shooting Death Of Unarmed Teen Trayvon Martin Sparks National Outrage

  SANFORD, FL - MARCH 22: Protesters demonstrate at a rally for slain teenager Trayvon Martin on March 22, 2012 in Sanford, Florida. Sanford Police Department Chief Bill Lee announced today he will temporarily step down following the killing of the black unarmed teenager by a white and Hispanic neighborhood watch captain. Rev. Al Sharpton organized today's rally. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• Shooting Death Of Unarmed Teen Trayvon Martin Sparks National Outrage

  SANFORD, FL - MARCH 22: A protester holds a sign with pictures of George Zimmerman at a rally for slain teenager Trayvon Martin on March 22, 2012 in Sanford, Florida. Sanford Police Department Chief Bill Lee announced today he will temporarily step down following the killing of the black unarmed teenager by white and Hispanic neighborhood watch captain George Zimmerman. Rev. Al Sharpton organized today's rally. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• Shooting Death Of Unarmed Teen Trayvon Martin Sparks National Outrage

  SANFORD, FL - MARCH 22: Protesters demonstrate at a rally for slain teenager Trayvon Martin on March 22, 2012 in Sanford, Florida. Sanford Police Department Chief Bill Lee announced today he will temporarily step down following the killing of the black unarmed teenager by a white and Hispanic neighborhood watch captain. Rev. Al Sharpton organized today's rally. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• Shooting Death Of Unarmed Teen Trayvon Martin Sparks National Outrage

  SANFORD, FL - MARCH 22: Protesters demonstrate at a rally for slain teenager Trayvon Martin on March 22, 2012 in Sanford, Florida. Sanford Police Department Chief Bill Lee announced today he will temporarily step down following the killing of the black unarmed teenager by a white and Hispanic neighborhood watch captain. Rev. Al Sharpton organized today's rally. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• Shooting Death Of Unarmed Teen Trayvon Martin Sparks National Outrage

  SANFORD, FL - MARCH 22: Sanford resident Rodney Stokes carries his son Rodney Stokes Jr. on his shoulder at a rally for slain teenager Trayvon Martin on March 22, 2012 in Sanford, Florida. Sanford Police Department Chief Bill Lee announced today he will temporarily step down following the killing of the black unarmed teenager by a white and Hispanic neighborhood watch captain. Rev. Al Sharpton organized today's rally. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• Shooting Death Of Unarmed Teen Trayvon Martin Sparks National Outrage

  SANFORD, FL - MARCH 22: Protesters demonstrate at a rally for slain teenager Trayvon Martin on March 22, 2012 in Sanford, Florida. Sanford Police Department Chief Bill Lee announced today he will temporarily step down following the killing of the black unarmed teenager by a white and Hispanic neighborhood watch captain. Rev. Al Sharpton organized today's rally. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• Shooting Death Of Unarmed Teen Trayvon Martin Sparks National Outrage

  SANFORD, FL - MARCH 22: Protesters demonstrate at a rally for slain teenager Trayvon Martin on March 22, 2012 in Sanford, Florida. Sanford Police Department Chief Bill Lee announced today he will temporarily step down following the killing of the black unarmed teenager by a white and Hispanic neighborhood watch captain. Rev. Al Sharpton organized today's rally. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• Shooting Death Of Unarmed Teen Trayvon Martin Sparks National Outrage

  SANFORD, FL - MARCH 22: Rev. Al Sharpton (R) looks on at a rally with Tracy Martin (R), father of slain teenager Trayvon Martin, on March 22, 2012 in Sanford, Florida. Sanford Police Department Chief Bill Lee announced today he will temporarily step down following the killing of the black unarmed teenager by a white and Hispanic neighborhood watch captain. Sharpton organized today's rally. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• Shooting Death Of Unarmed Teen Trayvon Martin Sparks National Outrage

  SANFORD, FL - MARCH 22: Rev. Al Sharpton departs as media are reflected in a vehicle window at a rally for slain teenager Trayvon Martin on March 22, 2012 in Sanford, Florida. Sanford Police Department Chief Bill Lee announced today he will temporarily step down following the killing of the black unarmed teenager by a white and Hispanic neighborhood watch captain. Sharpton organized today's rally. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

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Comments

[I Am Hero]

01:37 PM on 06/07/2012

LOL, there's no way somebody hacked this sign. This was done by a city worker taking a break from one of the endless series of breaks they take before they go back to doing nothing.

[Grevy Turty]

12:42 PM on 05/11/2012

Wait- isn't that a good thing? I thought the super smart black people were using the N word to refer to each other in order to desensitize people to it and eliminate it's supposed power?

[Zimisfree]

06:57 PM on 04/25/2012

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

[I Am Hero]

01:38 PM on 06/07/2012

The sign don't lie.

[Cynthia Chiles]

08:59 AM on 04/21/2012

The Brown Skin Effect: http://4side.blogspot.com/

[Giggie]

04:41 AM on 04/17/2012

Indicative of the fact that the USA still has a long way to go in race relations. Segments of the country still cling to old prejudices. This is the same problem faced 50 years ago. You can legislate behavior, but you can't force people's hearts and minds to a particular way of thinking.

[jmach6677]

05:06 PM on 04/13/2012

if he T.M. was any thing like the ignorant, disrespectful, school to prison crowd I see on the bus and the streets every day, then this is the term he referred to his bro's and the other way around...so whats the problem?

[tqcobb]

02:07 PM on 04/14/2012

your sterotyping and small mindedness is the problem

[jmach6677]

03:38 PM on 04/14/2012

I agree but that never the less does not invalidate the truth of my statement unfortunately.

[karlschneider]

05:56 PM on 06/03/2012

Want to stop stereotyping? Get your African baby parents to teach their chillins to act like actual humans instead of crazed apes and the 'problem' will disappear.

[barryjnelson]

10:41 AM on 04/16/2012

Your very statement is evidence of your racism. Your statement doesn't appear to display any outrage to the road and safety hazard created by playing with that sign. Your concern seems to be in protecting/supporting the destructive stereotyping in the message in that sign.

[jmach6677]

01:18 PM on 04/16/2012

Yes, and your point was?

[Vickey Turner]

11:15 PM on 04/12/2012

This baby just can't rest in peace....lost for words

[barryjnelson]

10:41 AM on 04/16/2012

It is so, so sad.

[Zimisfree]

06:54 PM on 04/25/2012

Right.... Look what his Mom started!

[Laura Chadwick]

03:03 PM on 04/12/2012

This is terrible! i wish Trayvon would have been known for something he did while he was alive and he probably would have if given the chance to live,but this is going way beyond racial slurring and profile.why is Trayvon being treated like the criminal? he is the one who is deceased,i was born and raised in Michigan and I'm glad that i left,and this is one of the reasons why!

[awwtfp]

10:44 AM on 04/27/2012

Lived in Michigan for decades. It is a cesspool of racial infighting. BUT i have seen a lot worse in other states. South Carolina was truly frightening and made Michigan seem like a promised land. California for all of it's promoted progression was a strange place seemingly run on racism. I used to say southern California was really the south.

[Grevy Turty]

12:43 PM on 05/11/2012

You think this kid was going to be a Nobel Laureate? Lol get real

[Laura Chadwick]

09:56 PM on 05/18/2012

i never said that ,but he should have at least been able to grow up, and who knows what he could have become given the chance

[ishmonster1954]

02:29 PM on 04/12/2012

If it acts like a duck and walks like a duck and sounds like a duck looks like a duck then its a duck!

[Deanna 0712]

12:03 PM on 04/12/2012

"America the Beautiful?" Bullcrap. America has alot of growing to do.

[Grevy Turty]

01:08 PM on 05/11/2012

Yeah we should be more like African countries...or better yet Haiti!

[Gregory Osmond]

09:55 AM on 04/12/2012

Racism is one of the biggest problems facing this nation and it comes from a republican party that blames the african american community for being lazy criminals who live on welfare. This is done to keep them in power because if the poor and middle class, whites and blacks ever united, they could bring down the 1% that have been ripping off this country for the last 40 years. Devide and conquer is how they stay in power. Wake up america, join forces and let's turn this country into the land of the free where life liberty and the persuit of happiness exist for everyone instead of the few at the very top. Now Is The Time!

[papagato]

08:04 AM on 04/13/2012

Great Post! You are so right Mr. Osmond! Bravo and good on you!

[barryjnelson]

10:44 AM on 04/16/2012

Terrific post!! I could not agree more.

[Keli FosterSanford]

09:04 AM on 04/12/2012

Oh how original.

[StephenMarsh]

08:09 AM on 04/12/2012

Wow, America is a seriously racist country.. Everything is about race, and violence. I used to visit three times a year, but no more.. I can't condone the country's actions and mentality by visiting anymore.. The justice system is corrupt and deeply flawed.

[Moriarty]

11:59 AM on 04/12/2012

I have given up on the USA. I have visited dozens of times over the years but I can't be bothered going through all of the security procedures conducted by formerly unemployable people. I have come through Tel Aviv airport many times and NEVER been subjected to the kind of screenings commonly used in the USA. Tel Aviv employs young, intelligent security personnel with the ability to sort out the wheat from the chaff without raising their blood pressure.
The 'shoe bomber' would not have got past the entrance door into Tel Aviv airport.

[Grevy Turty]

01:14 PM on 05/11/2012

Oh noes lol an effeminate goof has "given up" on the US. Just let us know when you need some money or medical aid. Unbelievable.

[karlschneider]

05:58 PM on 06/03/2012

If you knew 6 more things, you would be an idiot.

[dancing grandma]

12:12 PM on 04/12/2012

Good post and I don't blame youi for not visiting our country anymore which is very sad. I am moving from Florida to Canda, where I have family. The corruption of this country happened so slowly, before we knew it, it was already too late.

I agree with everything you stated in your post. I was raised in the 50-60's when our country was still innocent. We actually need a revolution, but I can't see it happening. We protested in the 50's for civil rights and the government listened and acted accordingly. We protested in the 60's against the VietNam war and Nixon heard us. He was actually afraid. Watch some documentary to verify this. No one is listening anymore, and the ones in power could care less how "We The People" feel.

[Mary A Smith]

05:48 AM on 04/12/2012

How does an electric sign get "hacked into"? Who would even know what to do with the intrique wires, devices and buttons to make the change unless it is someone who is familiar with how these road signs work? I shudder to think that "someone" connected with the highway dept is very aware of "Who Done It". We are not naive nor are we so trusting to believe that anything that arises out of this case is not well-thought out B/4 it's carried out. But Blacks will handle the fallout with dignity as Trayvon's parents have done...even in their grief. God is always on the side of righteousness no matter what color the participants are that are involved. This country could learn a lot from just from watching Trayvon Martin's parents' behavior in this national tragedy. I know that I have.

[tintruder]

06:26 AM on 04/12/2012

Dignity?

Like trademarking and copyrighting everything they could spell about Tarvoon so they could make a quick buck off it?

And, had you paid attention in school, you'd have learned about computers. The typical 9 year-old white kid these days could easily (1.) look it up on the internet (2.) understand the instructions, and (3.) reprogram the box.

Highway Department employees are union. They don't go near work without getting paid.

In any case, the issue is simply not race. It's BEHAVIOR.

[Urbanbarbie943]

06:40 AM on 04/12/2012

Trade marking THEIR SON'S name is the correct thing to do. Wouldn't you want to be in control of your loved one's/child's name if it became a GLOBAL HUMAN RIGHTS/CIVIL RIGHTS ISSUE?? IT'S NOT ABOUT MONEY, ITS ABOUT PROTECTION AND LOVE. IF MONEY IS MADE WITH THE COPYRIGHT, IN REGARDS TO REPEALING "STAND YOUR GROUND", SO THAT PEOPLE, INCLUDING YOUR LOVED ONES, DON'T BECOME VICTIM'S LIKE THEIR SON, THAT'S A GREAT THING.

[dancing grandma]

12:14 PM on 04/12/2012

Tintruder, I disagree. It is RACE and behavior.

[awwtfp]

10:55 AM on 04/27/2012

Mary, Hacking is not the correct world. More like access the keyboard and change the message. You could do it with a crowbar and hunt and peck typing skills...

[mgabrys]

03:19 AM on 04/12/2012

If it's not about zombies ahead, you're doing it wrong.