Partial License Plate (Minivan)

A partial image of a license plate captured on Kinko's security camera footage during the trace of a rented minivan linked to Zoey's abduction. Secret Service agents including Ron Butterfield, Mike, Leo McGarry, President Bartlet, and Charlie Young reference it in the Oval Office. They scrutinize the visible characters to generate a vehicle lead amid escalating crisis discussions.

2 appearances

Purpose

Investigative clue to identify and trace the rented minivan used in the kidnapping

Significance

Breakthrough lead that connects Kinko's footage to the kidnappers' vehicle, fueling the urgent White House response and fleet deployment

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments

S4E23 · Twenty-Five

Ransom Fax — Zoey Held; Bartlet Orders the 5th Fleet

A partial license plate captured on camera is cited as the clue that links a rented minivan to Shahab Kaleel; it provides the tangible investigative lead mentioned in the briefing.

Before: Recorded on Kinko's camera footage, awaiting analysis.

After: Identified as partial plate characters and used to generate an FBI APB described in the Oval Office.

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S4E23 · Twenty-Five

Bartlet Sends the 5th Fleet — A Calibrated Escalation

Partial license plate captured on camera is presented as an actionable clue that led to identifying the minivan renter and issuing an APB, moving the investigation from abstract to targeted pursuit.

Before: Recorded on surveillance footage but unanalyzed.

After: Used to generate an APB and investigative lead referencing the rented minivan.

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