Post in Statement on Recent Law Enforcement Actions Targeting Protest Organizers

Sep 01 14:37 UTC

One of the homes raided was in Seward.

Cam

Date: Mon, 1 Sep 2008 09:25:38 -0500

Statement on Recent Law Enforcement Actions Targeting Protest Organizers

from Minneapolis Council Members Cam Gordon and Elizabeth Glidden
On Friday August 29th, a large, peaceful Critical Mass bike ride occurred in
Minneapolis where protesters, passersby and police conducted themselves in a
civil and respectful way - a hopeful beginning to the Republican National
Convention and related protest events, marches, and citizen journalism. On
Friday evening and Saturday morning, homes in Minneapolis and a place of
assembly in St Paul were raided by law enforcement; residents were detained and
property seized.  These actions were initiated, to our knowledge, by the Ramsey
County Sheriffs Office.  Although we do not have the information available to
law enforcement, we are concerned that the level of force used during these
raids does not appear to match the alleged threat posed.  The seizure of the
Earth Activist Training Permaculture Demonstration Bus (Permibus), young
activists pulled over in their van at Lake and 11th Ave and detained by law
enforcement with weapons drawn, and other reported events are actions that
appear excessive and create an atmosphere of fear and intimidation for those
who wish to exercise their first amendment rights.During the challenging days
ahead we urge a focus on creating a secure atmosphere of nonviolence that will
allow and encourage people to participate in political speech.  While violence
and property damage by protesters or others should not be tolerated, neither
should there be a chilling effect on free speech.  We have been contacted by
many who are concerned that their home or meeting place may be at risk because
they are on an email list, attended a workshop or meeting, or helped feed and
house out-of-town activists.  We thank our Minneapolis police and others for
their hard work to prepare for this momentous event and know  as evidenced by
the Critical Mass ride this past Friday  that they are well able to keep the
peace and respect first amendment rights of nonviolent protesters.Let's send
the right message - with a focus on maintaining order and peace while creating
a safe space for free speech and political expression.  We encourage all
residents and visitors to feel safe and welcome to express themselves and hope
that everyone will show up on Labor Day at the State Capital to make their
voices heard.

Cam Gordon
Minneapolis City Council Member, Second Ward
612 296-0579

Elizabeth Glidden
Minneapolis City Council Member, Eighth Ward
612 673-2208

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