Fake Trump‑Like Convoy Confuses the Hamptons

In Southampton, on Long Island in New York, police seized a fake presidential limousine used by a group that was imitating President Donald Trump’s official vehicle convoy. It was reported that a person portraying Trump was inside the vehicle, and the U.S. Secret Service has also opened an investigation into the incident.

"The Beast" Replica Vehicle

The custom-made official limousine known as "The Beast" is used to transport the U.S. president and is equipped with heavy armor. The vehicle seized in Southampton was prepared as a copy of that automobile. It was reported that the car was used by the conservative Facebook group Setauket Patriots, which supports Trump.

"No Bad Intentions"

James Robitsek, founder of Setauket Patriots, said that the group’s purpose was not to pose any threat. Robitsek stated that they were touring the Hamptons region in vehicles, that a person portraying Trump was in the limousine, and that the convoy was an entertainment event for them.

Police Halted the Convoy

Southampton police declared that the convoy's road‑side operation was unlawful. Detective Herman Lamison said that the fake presidential vehicle used red and blue emergency lights while passing through intersections inside the village and directed traffic vehicles off the road. Police reported that this practice constituted a violation under the law.

Driver Faces Multiple Charges

After stopping the limousine's driver, police issued various criminal notices for violations involving emergency lights, license plates, and vehicle registration. The fake presidential limousine was then seized. Police also reported that one member of the group wore a 'Secret Service' T‑shirt resembling the uniforms used by real Secret Service agents.

The Group Has Two Limousines

It was noted that the Setauket Patriots have two limousines with identical features, but only one vehicle was used on the day of the incident. The group's lawyer, John Scott Prudenti, argued that the organization operates in the entertainment sector and that the failure to change the vehicle's license plate was a negligence on the part of the operator.

Fake Weapon Was Also on the Vehicle

It was stated that in the performances organized by the group, in addition to a Trump impersonation, various costumes and accessories were also used. Robitsek said that a fake gun was found inside the limousine and that it was an accessory used as part of the show.

The Show Became an Investigation

It was emphasized that the use of the limousine, which was said to have won awards, is not acceptable from a police perspective. Detective Lamison announced that the U.S. Secret Service was also involved in the matter and that the agency was conducting its own investigation.

They Want the Limousine Returned

The Setauket Patriots have launched a legal battle to have the police‑confiscated limousine returned to them. Court hearings on the matter are scheduled for September 15. Attorney Prudenti said that talks with both the Secret Service and Southampton officials are ongoing.