DMV: Hauppauge man's 'Osama' plate is offensive

A retired New York City cop from Hauppauge is set to square off with the Department of Motor Vehicles.Arno Herwerth's van has the American flag painted on it and the phrases "Kill bin Laden" and "Gut

News 12 Staff

Nov 20, 2007, 3:13 PM

Updated 6,434 days ago

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A retired New York City cop from Hauppauge is set to square off with the Department of Motor Vehicles.Arno Herwerth's van has the American flag painted on it and the phrases "Kill bin Laden" and "Gut Osama." He says the Sept. 11 attacks inspired him to show his patriotism and his strong desire to kill Osama bin Laden.To enhance his van's appearance, he ordered a vanity plate that reads "Get Osama." Herwerth says he originally wanted the plate to read "Gut Osama" but switched his request to appease the DMV. Even though he currently has the plates, Herwerth says the DMV is ordering him to turn them in. According to Herwerth, a review by the DMV found the vanity plate offensive.Herwerth says he plans to appeal the ruling and has contacted local officials to assist him.