Breaking – see article by Sheila Regan.
As it happens – FBI raided homes of local activists today (September 24), in what looks like part of a national operation. We want your first-hand reports, analysis, comments – just add them as comments to this story, and email sheila@tcdailyplanet.net or editor@tcdailyplanet.net with your contact information.
Twin Cities IndyMedia has the first reports:
On Friday morning, three houses in the Minneapolis area are believed to have been raided by SWAT Teams. While we have few details right now, the F.B.I. appears to be targeting people associated with the Freedom Road Socialist Organization. Besides the raids in Minneapolis, houses in Michigan, North Carolina and Chicago were also targeted.
Raids occurred at 1823 Riverside, above the Hard Times Cafe, and the 2900 block of Park Ave. One other raid is reported, as well. Outside Hard Times Cafe, three unmarked black SUVs (one with an Illinois license plate) sat in the parking area as of 10am, when a lawyer observed 8 FBI agents sitting in the residence examining materials. Otherwise the scene was calm.
Agents had broken in the door there at 7am Friday morning, breaking an aquarium in the process.
The Uptake has a preliminary report, and promises photos and more video soon:
Breaking: Details emerge about Anti-war Grand Jury
From the UpTake:
FBI agents raided homes in Minneapolis and Chicago apparently looking for links to terrorist activity. The Minneapolis raids targeted peace activists who were active in protesting the 2008 Republican National Convention in St. Paul.
Taken from the homes were travel and phone records.
At a home on Park Avenue, FBI agents arrived early this morning with a warrant. The person who answered the door says the FBI pushed past her and began searching every room of the home from attic to basement, looking at CDs, DVDs, books, photos and papers.
Before leaving the FBI issued subpoenas for the peace activists to appear before a Grand Jury in Chicago on October 12th.
Members of the peace community are gathering at Walker Church today at 5:30pm to give advice and comfort to those who had their homes raided.
The UpTake had cameras at two of the raid locations in Minneapolis and will be posting photos, videos and interviews from the scene soon.
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