In the days leading up to the Republican National Convention, the St. Paul Police have carried out numerous pre-emptive raids with excessive armed force. Homes have been entered by bashing down doors despite only having a "knock warrant" (meaning the officers should have knocked rather than destroy entrances to homes). Armed officers held children at gunpoint and slammed journalists against walls and the floor despite no resistance to the arrests. Officers enter the homes with pistols already drawn. They have been armed with riot gear and assault weapons.
Reporters were detained as well as peaceful protesters on unsubstantiated felony charges of planning for violent riots and detained without evidence. Property has been seized and held without charges (this includes camera equipment and other items not related to any form of rioting). The purpose of these raids seems to be intimidation to keep people from protesting at the convention.
This sort of action is normally taken by the FBI, but these are being carried out by local police agencies. It is probable that the new "fusion centers" which facilitate information sharing between law enforcement authorities are a factor in this blurring of responsibility and authority.
This seizure of property is in clear violation of fourth amendment rights. The subjugation of the reporters and journalists is in clear violation of first amendment rights.
Here's coverage of the pre-emptive raids:
[Pre-emptive arrests]
[Arrest of distinguished journalist Amy Goodman and police officials lying about the arrests]
More footage will be shown on http://www.democracynow.org later today.
Reporters were detained as well as peaceful protesters on unsubstantiated felony charges of planning for violent riots and detained without evidence. Property has been seized and held without charges (this includes camera equipment and other items not related to any form of rioting). The purpose of these raids seems to be intimidation to keep people from protesting at the convention.
This sort of action is normally taken by the FBI, but these are being carried out by local police agencies. It is probable that the new "fusion centers" which facilitate information sharing between law enforcement authorities are a factor in this blurring of responsibility and authority.
This seizure of property is in clear violation of fourth amendment rights. The subjugation of the reporters and journalists is in clear violation of first amendment rights.
Here's coverage of the pre-emptive raids:
[Pre-emptive arrests]
[Arrest of distinguished journalist Amy Goodman and police officials lying about the arrests]
More footage will be shown on http://www.democracynow.org later today.
