M. Night Shyamalan's newest film, "Trap," features a gripping narrative about a suburban dad named Cooper, played by Josh Hartnett, who unwittingly becomes entangled in a law enforcement ruse during a concert. This plot twist is directly inspired by a historical sting operation known as Operation Flagship, which took place in 1985 and was orchestrated by the U.S. Marshal Service in partnership with the NFL.
In "Trap," Hartnett's character Cooper attends a concert with his daughter, only to discover that the event is a setup by the FBI to capture a notorious serial killer, "The Butcher," who is later revealed to be Cooper himself. While this storyline is a creation of Shyamalan's imaginative mind, the underlying concept mirrors the real-life Operation Flagship, where law enforcement used the allure of a high-profile football game to apprehend fugitives.
Operation Flagship was a cleverly designed sting that lured fugitives with the promise of free tickets to a Washington Redskins versus Cincinnati Bengals game. These tickets were supposedly offered by the fictitious Flagship International Sports Television network. The operation was shrouded in playful deception; the invitation letters were signed by "I. Michael Detnaw," a playful anagram for "I'm Wanted," and the contact name for claiming the tickets was "Cran," which is "Narc" spelled backward.
The actual event took place at the Washington Convention Center, disguised as a brunch where attendees could enjoy refreshments and potentially win tickets to the Super Bowl. The venue was secretly staffed with 166 undercover officers, who maintained their roles as cheerleaders, caterers, and other personnel until the moment of arrest. This meticulously orchestrated event culminated in the arrest of 101 fugitives, making it one of the most successful sting operations of its time.
The mastermind behind this operation was Louie McKinney, who later became the acting director of the U.S. Marshals Service. He and his team dedicated weeks to training and held three dress rehearsals to ensure the operation's success. The operation's safety and control were paramount, contrasting sharply with the chaotic and public concert setting of Shyamalan's "Trap."
Though "Trap" transports the essence of Operation Flagship into a more dramatic and hazardous setting, the foundational elements of deception and theatricality in law enforcement are vividly captured in the film. This blend of real-life cunning and cinematic creativity showcases Shyamalan's ability to transform historical events into compelling narratives.
As for the real heroes of Operation Flagship, they have since moved on from their days at the U.S. Marshals Service. McKinney has authored a memoir detailing his experiences, while Robert Leschorn and Tobias Roche have also shared their extensive careers through publications and continued contributions to law enforcement.
While "Trap" is not a documentary and takes considerable artistic liberties, its roots in the true story of Operation Flagship provide a fascinating glimpse into the strategies used by law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety and bring criminals to justice.