College Prank ‘Stumped’ This Year
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TAMPA, Fla. — Today is “Kidnap the President Day” at the University of South Florida, an event that drew the interest of the Secret Service because it occurs the same day President Reagan is scheduled to make a campaign appearance.
“Kidnap the President Day” is an annual charity fund-raising event in which members of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity dress up like gangsters, carry fake guns and “kidnap” sorority presidents to hold for “ransom.”
“We’re still holding the event, but the Secret Service guy said it wouldn’t be a good idea for us to walk around with the plastic guns” during Reagan’s visit on behalf of Republican Sen. Paula Hawkins and GOP gubernatorial candidate Bob Martinez, fraternity vice president Robert Cottone said.
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