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FBI AND POLICE ARE KNOCKING ON ACTIVISTS’ DOORS AHEAD OF REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION
Alice Speri
June 23 2016, 1:10 p.m.

LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES, including the FBI, have been knocking on the doors of activists and community organizers in Cleveland, Ohio, asking about their plans for the Republican National Convention in July.

As the city gears up to welcome an estimated 50,000 visitors, and an unknown number of protesters, some of the preparations and restrictions put in place by officials have angered civil rights activists. But the latest string of unannounced home visits by local and federal police marks a significant escalation in officials’ efforts to stifle protest, they say.

More than a dozen people in the Cleveland area have reported being visited this week by local police, the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and Secret Service.

“The purpose of these door knocks is simple: to intimidate the target and others in efforts to discourage people from engaging in lawful First Amendment activities,” Jocelyn Rosnick, a coordinator with the Ohio chapter of the National Lawyers Guild, wrote in a statement denouncing the home visits.

“One FBI agent and one plainclothes Cleveland police officer, both white men, showed up and started asking questions about other Food Not Bombs members and our activities,” Rice said. “I personally believe that this is an attempt to intimidate because they know we play a vital role in helping people stay out longer and have their voices heard.”

Maggie Rice, an organizer with Food Not Bombs, said that members of her group were visited by police but felt too “rattled” to speak to a reporter.........

“A lot of Cleveland’s most vulnerable residents will be at risk,” Rice said. “The idea that the FBI would be coming in, knocking on our doors and asking questions of people that they know are not involved in organizing any protests and that are basically a humanitarian organization is completely unacceptable and very disturbing.”..........

AshevilleApp wrote:I honestly doubt that Trump has any idea about what security needs are at this point, he's running a campaign of sorts. But there are some indications that this could be a real **** show. I know the Greensboro NC PD withdrew an offer of 50 officers last month because they didn't feel like Cleveland had a sufficient security plan in place.

I hope things outside the Convention are relatively peaceful, not betting on it though. I hate to see the thuggery exhibited from the anti-Trump crown in many places lately. Agree or disagree with a persons/peoples position, but allow them to express it.

OL FU wrote:

AshevilleApp wrote:I honestly doubt that Trump has any idea about what security needs are at this point, he's running a campaign of sorts. But there are some indications that this could be a real **** show. I know the Greensboro NC PD withdrew an offer of 50 officers last month because they didn't feel like Cleveland had a sufficient security plan in place.

I hope things outside the Convention are relatively peaceful, not betting on it though. I hate to see the thuggery exhibited from the anti-Trump crown in many places lately. Agree or disagree with a persons/peoples position, but allow them to express it.

Now you made me feel bad

AshevilleApp wrote:

OL FU wrote:
Now you made me feel bad

Hell, I thought I was agreeing with you. To some extent.