New York’s Inauguration Block Party Bans Raspberry Pi and Other Electronic Devices
January 6, 2026
New York’s mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has extended an invitation to residents for a celebratory block party marking his inauguration. However, attendees are advised not to bring certain electronic devices, including the popular Raspberry Pi single-board computer.
The list of prohibited items features a range of potentially dangerous gadgets such as explosives, weapons, drones, laser pointers, and notably, the Flipper Zero device. This list was first reported by Adafruit and has garnered attention due to the inclusion of devices like the Flipper Zero.
The Flipper Zero is a compact, battery-powered device equipped with multiple radios. It allows users to develop custom applications that can interact with various radio signals, RFID, and NFC tags. Its features include an RFID module that can clone access cards and an NFC module capable of emulating electronic tags. While marketed as an educational tool to learn about radio frequencies, the device has a darker reputation as a potential tool for malicious activities.
Meanwhile, the Raspberry Pi single-board computers are also on the banned list. The recent release of the 1 GB Raspberry Pi 5 comes amid rising memory costs and their widespread use in education, art projects, and DIY tech experiments. Despite their benign reputation, these devices could be exploited for unauthorized access or interference at public events.
Potential Misuse at Large Gatherings
Both the Flipper Zero and Raspberry Pi devices have the capacity to be used maliciously—cloning access cards, disrupting wireless communications, or gaining unauthorized access to restricted areas. The Flipper Zero, specifically designed for exploring radio frequencies and emulating electronic devices, is more discreet than bulkier single-board computers like the Raspberry Pi, which may be more noticeable in crowded settings.
Industry Perspectives
Adafruit, a notable electronics retailer, has expressed concern over the ban, arguing that listing the Raspberry Pi as a forbidden item tarnishes a brand cherished by educators, artists, and hobbyists. They also point out the difficulty in enforcing such bans, as tech-savvy individuals could simply program smartphones to perform similar malicious functions—rendering the restriction largely ineffective.
This move highlights ongoing debates about security, privacy, and the regulation of versatile electronic devices in public and political spaces.
Note: All images are representative and depict the devices discussed.