First-In-Line Stopped by Guards at iPhone 3G Launch

Everyone remembers Daniel Simon of the White House Organic Farm, right? He and his family camped out in front of Apple's flagship retail store on Fifth Ave. (NYC), a week ahead of the iPhone 3G launch. Well, at the time the store actually opened its doors, Daniel, who was first in line, got roughed up by an Apple security guard who wasn't going to let him in.

Whether it was Danny himself that looked suspicious, or the basket full of apples he carried with him to the store's entrance remains to be confirmed. What Fortune does confirm is that, after spending nearly a week in front of the Fifth Avenue retail store for the launch of the iPhone 3G, Daniel Simon was grabbed by a security guard as he walked up to the door carrying said basket of apples, as well as an American flag.

No one is able to explain exactly why Simon was pulled aside. Luckily for him, Apple staffers later let him in. Guess what Danny wasn't carrying with him anymore? Not the American flag. The man was able to buy the new phone and later told the press that it was all "a simple misunderstanding," explaining that he was taking the apples into the store to share with employees. Yes, it was the "forbidden fruit" that was forbidden from the store. Would it have been that hard to check the apples for any explosive materials? Or maybe the guard thought they were poisoned?

Simon said that even Sr. VP Retail Ron Johnson apologized to him. "We agreed it was EXTREMELY bad judgment on the part of one private security guard� and that bygones will be bygones." said Dan. "All in all, it was one of the most incredible experiences of my life," he told the press.

Notice how Dan's friends shout "let Dan in" while the guy gets roughed up by the guard: