Home » FBI raids » Recent Articles:

Cynthia McKinney & Ray McGovern Support Local FBI Targets

July 11, 2011 by Bill Sorem Israel, Palestine, War/Peace Comments Off

Click Picture to View Video of Cynthia McKinney and Ray McGovern

Former Congresswoman and 2008 Green Party Presidential Nominee Cynthia McKinney joined fellow peace activist and former senior CIA analyst Ray McGovern in voicing support for the Minneapolis activists targeted in last fall’s FBI raids. They were summoned to testify before a Chicago Grand Jury.

McKinney and McGovern were attending the 2011 version of Peacestock at a farm near Hager City, Wis. McKinney was involved in the 2010 attempt to deliver relief supplies to the Gaza Strip, and McGovern just returned from Athens, were he was part of the attempted 2011 flotilla to Gaza. McKinney has an international reputation for her peace efforts including receiving The Munich American Peace Committee Peace Prize in 2010. As a senior CIA analyst, McGovern was in charge of preparing daily security briefs for President Reagan and later for President George H.W. Bush. After retiring, he has became a vocal peace advocate and has been arrested in Washington, D.C., for his demonstrating.

Local Peace Groups Support LA Activist Carlos Montes

July 11, 2011 by Bill Sorem Immigration, Labor/Unions Comments Off

Click Picture to View Video of Support Rally For Carlos Montes

Minneapolis peace activists rallied on the Lake Street Bridge on July 6 in support of recently arrested friend and ally, Carlos Montes. He was in the Twin Cities for the Republican National Convention in 2008 and has been vocal in support of peace activists targeted by the FBI.

On May 17 at 5 a.m. the SWAT Team of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department and members of the FBI raided Montes’ home. Montes is a longtime Chicano activist and member of the Committee to Stop FBI Repression. The SWAT Team smashed his front door and rushed in with automatic weapons as Carlos slept. The team of sheriffs and FBI agents proceeded to ransack his house, taking his computer, cell phones and hundreds of documents, photos, diskettes and mementos of his current political activities in the pro-immigrant rights and Chicano civil rights movement. Also taken were hundreds of historical documents related to Carlos Montes’ involvement in the Chicano movement for the past 44 years. Carlos was arrested on one charge dealing with a firearm code and released on bail the following morning.

Attorney General Holder to FBI Victim: “I Shouldn’t Talk to You”

June 5, 2011 by Bill Sorem Minnesota, War/Peace Comments Off

Tracy Molm, one of the nine Minneapolis peace activists targeted by the FBI on September 24, 2010, and one of three ordered to appear before a January 2011 Chicago Grand Jury, was one of 10 people who interrupted US Attorney General Eric Holder’s appearance in Minneapolis on May 27. Molm insisted on meeting with Holder and, according to Molm, he had originally agreed to meet her and the other FBI targets but then insisted on meeting with just her. He told her during the discussion that he shouldn’t even be talking to her. Molm and the other targets insist that this is a witch hunt by the FBI to suppress dissent by peace activists in the mode of the 1050s McCarthy Hearings. Molm discusses the details of her meeting with Holder and her disappointment with his dismissal of the issues she raised.

Speaking Up Over Attorney General’s Silence On FBI Misdeeds

May 28, 2011 by Bill Sorem Minnesota, War/Peace Comments Off


Minneapolis, MN, May 27, 2011. Irate peace activists interrupted US Attorney General Eric Holder’s speech about youth programs several times in frustration for what they characterize as an FBI Witch Hunt violating the First Amendment rights of citizens to protest. Holder is one of the few people in the country who could reign in this action, but he has so far refused to comment on it or to act in any way. One recent story. Stop FBI site.

What the FBI Left Behind

May 18, 2011 by Bill Sorem Issues, War/Peace Comments Off

Minneapolis, MN My 18, 2011. A press conference at the offices of the Anti-War Committee office today revealed an interesting remnant of the FBI raids on peace activists in Minneapolis and Chicago on September 24, 2010. They left copy of the the FBI SWAT team operational plan and the set of questions that was to be asked of the targets if any had agreed to talk to the FBI agents. These documents were discovered on April 30 in the home of Lindon Gawboy and Mick Kelly when they were searching through the file cabinets that had been ransacked by the FBI. The plans reveal that the agents were to assume Kelly and Gawboy armed and dangerous so the entered the home with machine guns and assault rifles. They battered down the door and then removed about 11 boxes of personal material, files, computers, cell phone and Kelly’s passport. The cell phone has been returned bu no other property including his passport. The “arsenal of weapons” the agents were told to expect was one rifle and one licensed hand gun.

The targets of the raids were ordered to appear before the Federal Grand Jury in Chicago. All have declined to appear.

Complete copies of the document are available at the Anti-War Committee web site.

There were questions listed for each of the nine targets of the September 24, 2010 raids. Attorney Bruce Nestor said that these were the kind of questions that would be asked by a grand jury. None of those targeted by the raids agreed to answer any questions. Question sequences include: Do you have a “red” name? What is it? What’s the purposed of having a red name? Do you have a red name email account? What is it? What’s the purpose of having a red name email account? What did you do with the proceeds from the Revolutionary Lemonade Stand? What is your husband’s immigration status? Who is El Gordo? Did you ever meet with him in the United States?

The teams were authorized to use deadly force if needed and there were two North Memorial Medics to deal with injured personnel.

There has been no communication with the Chicago US District Attorney since January. It is not known if the grand jury is still in existence. However the subpoenas remain in effect until rescinded by the US Attorney.

Previous story about embedded FBI Informant.

Raid on Kelly/Gawboy home.

Peace Activists Take FBI Witch Hunt to May Day Parade

May 5, 2011 by Bill Sorem Immigration, Labor/Unions, Political Comedy, War/Peace Comments Off

Peace activists targeted by the FBI raids on September 24, 2010 and their friends joined thousands in the annual May Day Parade last Sunday as the first group in the Free Speech Zone. They parodied the FBI raids with an FBI puppet and a covey of witches. This parade brings out marchers on stilts, oversize puppets, loud bands, politicians and lots of wild costumes. The nine Minnesotans are joined with 14 others, mostly from Chicago all of whom have been subpoenaed at various times to report to the Federal Grand Jury in Chicago. All 23 have refused to appear and they are awaiting further action. A number of those targeted have children and they have been forced to work out temporary custody arrangements. Patrick Fitzgerald, the US Attorney in Chicago has also refused joint legal representation so each of the targets have had to employ their own attorney. Stop FBI web site.

Chris Hedges: FBI is the Jackboots Enforcer

April 21, 2011 by Bill Sorem Media, War/Peace Comments Off

After speaking at Macalester College on Wednesday night, award-winning journalist Chris Hedges was asked about the FBI’s role in the recent targeting of peace activists in the Twin Cities and elsewhere in the Midwest. Nine had their homes searched and were issued subpoenas to appear before a Grand Jury in Chicago. Hedges offered a pessimistic view that the FBI is merely the “jackboot” extension of the ongoing attack on civil liberties. He was also asked about the role of citizen journalists. He’d previously stated, “All journalists should belong to a union and be well-paid.” He sees serious issues with the current state of journalism.

Minneapolis Women Stand Up For International Women’s Day

March 10, 2011 by Bill Sorem Labor/Unions Comments Off

Minneapolis activists celebrated International Women’s Day at the Waite House on Tuesday, March 8. Speakers included Jess Sundin, a leader of the Anti-War Committee and Freedom Road Socialist Organization, and one of the anti-war and international solidarity activists targeted by the FBI and grand jury; Sarah Jane Olson, former political prisoner from her involvement with revolutionary movement in the 1970s, and a long-time Twin Cities resident and anti-apartheid activist; Tracy Molm, an organizer with Students for a Democratic Society at the University of Minnesota, and one of the activists targeted by the FBI and grand jury; and Luce Guillen Givins of the RNC 8, who was unjustly charged with felonies for protests at the Republican National Convention in 2008.

Tuesday, March 8 was the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day, which is now sponsored by Freedom Road Socialist Organization. In 1908, women, mainly from the garment industry, came together in New York City’s Rutgers Square to demand a strong union in the needle trades and the right to vote. In 1910, German revolutionary Clara Zetkin, having heard of the powerful protest in New York, proposed that March 8 be celebrated as International Women’s Day worldwide. Today, it is a holiday celebrated by millions of working people to honor women who stand up and fight for their rights.

Peace Activists In Chicago Protest FBI Raids

January 26, 2011 by Jacob Wheeler Illinois, Minnesota, War/Peace Comments Off

On Jan. 25, demonstrators held rallies in over 50 cities worldwide to protest the FBI’s September 2010, raids on 14 peace activists and subsequent Grand Jury subpoenas of 23 different activists — 9 of whom are involved in solidarity work with Palestine. All of those who received summons to testify before a Grand Jury in Chicago refused, through their attorneys.

Minnesota Peace Activists Get Temporary Reprieve

January 24, 2011 by Bill Sorem Minnesota, War/Peace Comments Off

By Bill Sorem

The FBI wants peace activists whose homes it raided to appear before a grand jury in Chicago, but apparently only after they submit to questioning by FBI agents.

For the second time, government lawyers have told three Minnesota peace activists not to appear before the grand jury, despite getting subpoenas ordering them to do so. The three Minnesotans were scheduled to appear in Chicago tomorrow. Instead the grand jury will question nine other people including a group of Palestinians. It is still not clear what the government is after.

On Tuesday, peace groups are protesting the grand jury inquisitions in cities across the U.S.

This past Thursday, two of the Minnesota peace activists targeted in the September 24th FBI raids and a local attorney involved with civil rights cases met with a group of supporters to update them on latest developments and to raise defense funds. Great grandmother Sarah Martin, an original target who has received a second subpoena and was told to appear before the Chicago Grand Jury on January 25, has been informed that she doesn’t have to appear before the grand jury, yet, but that the Chicago attorneys and FBI want to interview her. She has declined the offer.

Katrina Plotz received one of the original subpoenas, but she has not had further notice. Sarah and Katrina attempted to visit Palestine in 2009, a trip that was sabotaged by an FBI informant who had infiltrated local peace movements. Attorney Jordan Kushner reviewed some of the legal basis for this action and some of the history of the so-called Anti-Terrorist statutes.

DC Latest

DC

Click on photo to watch Senator Al Franken's news conference on college financial aid reform

Sen. Franken Announces “True Cost Of College” Act

Senator Al Franken announces the “Understanding The True Cost Of College Act” that would require colleges to use easier to understand language in their financial aid package offers to students.

Click this picture to play video.

First Somali Delegate Headed to Democratic National Convention

Hindia Ali, Youth Leadership Development Coordinator at Somali Action Alliance is a delegate the the 2012 National Democratic Convention, the first Somali-American to be a delegate.

Click photo to watch President Obama's speech

Obama Rips GOP’s “Radical Vision” For US

Speaking to the press on Tuesday, President Obama ripped into Republicans for their lack of compromising and for the first time mentioned his likely Republican opponent, Mitt Romney, by name.

Click on Photo to View Women's Discussion About Health Care and the Affordable Care Act

“Being a Woman Shouldn’t be a Pre-existing Condition”

Minnesota women in healthcare predicaments met with with HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Sen. Al Franken, Rep. Betty McCollum and Governor Mark Dayton on Friday — the two year anniversary of the Affordable Care Act.

Click photo to watch President Obama's weekly address

Obama:Fraud, Middle East Conflict, Driving Up Gas Prices

President Obama says many of the factors that are driving up gas prices are out of our control such as unrest in the Middle East. However, he points out there are some things that are in our control such as fraud and manipulation that can cause prices to spike even further.

Click photo to hear President Obama speak about alternative energy

Obama Makes Case For Alternative Energy

President Obama talks about an all-of-the-above American energy strategy at a Daimler manufacturing plant in North Carolina that’s making trucks that run on natural gas.

No recount this time. Click photo to watch the MN Congressional Cookoff

Another Close One For Sen. Al Franken- Ties In Hotdish Cookoff

Senator Al Franken is used to close elections. This time he didn’t beat his opponents, but had to settle for a tie with Representative Chip Cravaack in the second annual Minnesota Congressional delegation hotdish cookoff.

Click photo to watch President Obama address business roundtable in Washington, DC

Obama:Tax Reform Like “Pulling Teeth”

President Obama would like to reform taxes so we reward companies that invest in the US, not ones that send jobs overseas. But there are some barriers, such as Congress.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Obama

Israel-US United Against Iran Says Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu uses his photo op with President Obama today to talk up how the US and Israel are united against Iran, which is suspected of trying to create a nuclear bomb.

President Obama speaks to the American-Israel Lobby

Obama:Military Force Against Iran Possible To Thwart Nuclear Program

President Obama warns that “loose talk” of war was only helping Iran, while pushing back against charges from GOP presidential contenders that he has been less than a loyal ally to Israel.

Latest MN

MN

Click Image to View Video

“Vikings Got Bailed Out, We Got Sold Out!”

Members of the Welfare Rights Committee disrupt the signing of the Vikings Stadium Bill. They claim, “Vikings Got Bailed Out, We Got Sold Out!”

Click on this photo to see video of conference.

Minnesota Somali Women And Men Discuss Infertility Issues

Somali women and men gather to discuss the many aspects of female infertility with medical and social experts.

3M Demo

MN Activists Call on 3M to Remove Corporate Funds From Politics

3M shareholders at annual meeting were asked to stop all corporate contributions to political campaigns and to disclose corporate political lobbying efforts. As expected, the resolutions were voted down, but the activists pledged to continue efforts.

Click on Image to View Video

Occupy-Backed Homeowner Monique White Wins Loan Modification, Keeps House

Occupy backed homeowner successfully re-negotiated her loan with MN based US Bank.

Courtesy of the Minnesota Historical Society

Healing Minnesota’s Darkest Period: Pardoning a Dakota Indian

After the six-week US-Dakota War of 1862, 38 Dakota men were hung in one of the largest mass executions in US History. Many argue that the trials were a sham, that is was the largest injustice in the nation’s history. Today, Representative Dean Urdahl, Chair of the Legacy Committee in Minnesota and the Civil War Task Force, seeks to, “rub a little salve in the wound,” by seeking a pardon for one of those warriors who was hung on that fateful December day. His name is Chaska.

Rep. Ryan Winkler on the House Floor before 2011 Special Session

Stadium Opponent Rep. Winkler Decides To Vote For Stadium.

Rep. Ryan Winkler (DFL) decides to support the Vikings stadium because of the jobs it will create.

Governor Dayton and Vikings Owner Zygi Wilf

Vikings Stadium Bill Sent To Governor Dayton

The Minnesota House and Senate have each approved different versions of a Vikings stadium proposal. So now it is up to a conference committee to reconcile the differences.

Governor Mark Dayton Vetos GOP Tax Bill

Dayton Tax Veto Imperils Vikings Stadium Says GOP

Principle or politics? On Friday, Governor Mark Dayton went heavily with principle and imperiled the politics of his top legislative priority — thousands of jobs from building a new Vikings football stadium.

Joh Marty

MN Tax bill deserves ‘smoking’ hot veto pen’ says DFL

A bill that would give business owners a tax cut is hailed by Senator Geoff Michel (R-Edina) as the “best piece of legislation” to be considered his year. Senator John Marty (DFL-Roseville ) counters it deserves a “smoking’ hot veto pen” because it isn’t paid for.

Click on photo of Sen Jungbauer to hear why accident prone people like himself should use fireworks.

MN Fireworks Veto Override Is A Dud

A Minnesota Senate attempt to override Governor Mark Dayton’s veto of a bill expanding the kinds of fireworks that can legally be sold in Minnesota fails to get the 2/3rds majority needed.

Sustaining Solutions

Sustaining Solutions

Click on Image to View Video

Occupy-Backed Homeowner Monique White Wins Loan Modification, Keeps House

Occupy backed homeowner successfully re-negotiated her loan with MN based US Bank.

Click Photo to Hear Opinions on How the City Should Help North Minneapolis

Does North Minneapolis Need Pie in the Sky Ideas or Roofs Overhead?

Nearly a year after the tornado that ripped through North Minneapolis, opinions vary greatly on what the poverty-stricken community needs most from local and state government. Should the City introduce “pie in the sky” ideas or focus on more immediate problems?

Click photo of Rep. Bobby Jo Champion  to View Video Interview

Rep. Bobby Jo Champion Touts Legislation to Rebuild North Minneapolis

Representative Bobby Jo Champion talks about the challenges facing some of his constituents in North Minneapolis almost a year after a devastating tornado.

Click photo to watch video about how tornado damaged North Minneapolis is being rebuilt right.

Rebuild It Right in North Minneapolis: Quality Design Isn’t Just For Rich People

Rebuild It Right, an organization made up of architects and designers from Minneapolis, is helping homeowners advocate for quality design in the wake of the May 22nd Tornado.

Don Samuels Talks Jobs

New Stadium Deal Promises Jobs for North Minneapolis Residents

The Vikings stadium deal got the support of Minneapolis City Council members. Council member Don Samuels says that this is a good deal for his constituents. It will provide jobs to a part of the city that has the highest rate of unemployment.

Click photo to watch how Urban Homeworks is helping homeowners in north Minneapolis

Urban Homeworks: Fighting Foreclosures in North Minneapolis

Local, Minneapolis non-profit Urban Homeworks works with banks and other community organizations to fight foreclosures.

Monique White celebrates a delay on evicting her from her home. Click photo to watch video.

Occupy-Backed Homeowner Monique White Seeks Jury Trial

Embattled homeowner Monique White took one more step Friday toward what could become an improbable victory that would let her stay in her North Minneapolis home. Judge Mark Labine will decide on Monday whether White will get a jury trial in District Court.

Click on Photo to View Video of Northside Economic Opportunity Network

Northside Economic Opportunity Network Boosts Business in North Minneapolis

The Northside Economic Opportunity Network works with small businesses and micro-businesses in North Minneapolis to help them achieve success.

WeCanDoIt-150x150

2011 UpTake Stories With The Most Impact

If we didn’t cover these stories, who would have?

City Pages Cover-The Forgotten Neighborhood

The Forgotten Neighborhood

As we’ve been reporting for the past six months, many tornado victims who need help still haven’t gotten it.

Donate

RSS The UpTake’s Livestream Schedule

  • Sunday, May 20, 09:00 AM
    Through negotiations and persistence and the good will of all, Phil Freshman and Jim Roth have worked with Beth El Synagogue and obtained a weekend (5/18-20)in residence of a Torah Scholar, Rabbi Kahn-Troster, on the issue of human rights and torture. The issues will be addressed from religious, legal, medical, ethical and practical perspectives. Open to the […]
  • Saturday, Jun 02, 09:00 AM
    DFL State Convention-Day 1- Rochester, MN Saturday, June 2 – Sunday June 3, 2012 Mayo Civic Center (30 Civic Center Drive SE, Rochester, MN 55904) […]
  • Sunday, Jun 03, 09:00 AM
    DFL State Convention-Day 2- Rochester, MN Sunday June 3, 2012 Mayo Civic Center (30 Civic Center Drive SE, Rochester, MN 55904) […]

Categories

Archives