The “convergence space” on Smith Avenue in St. Paul was raided Friday with officers entering with guns drawn. Early reports indicate that the Ramsey County Sheriff’s office conducted the operation for unspecified code violations. No arrests were made but a number of people gathered there were handcuffed, photographed by police and computer equipment was withheld from owners. The convergence space was the central meeting ground for many activists protesting the Republican National Convention.

“This isn’t the way we do things in St. Paul,” St. Paul council member Dave Thune told Twin Cities Daily Planet. “I don’t want the city to get sucked into something that the sheriff’s office is concocting.”

“Normally,” said Thune, “we only board up buildings that are vacant and ramshackle. The fire inspector has no idea what’s going on. He hadn’t been called. The person who is on 24/7 call was not called. I talked to him trying to find out who did issue that order and why.”

The building on Smith Ave., a main networking and rally point for many activists, has been boarded up and convergence activities have been moved to Minneapolis.

“Here we are in this country trying to fight terrorism,” said one activist, “and I experience it — a gun in my face!”

Update: Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher released a statement Saturday morning about the raid:

“This investigation pertains to actions of the RNC Welcoming Committee.  The “Welcoming Committee” is a criminal enterprise made up of 35 self- described anarchists who are intent on committing criminal acts before and during the Republican National Convention.  These acts include tactics to blockade and disable delegate buses, breaching venue security and injuring police officers.  They have recruited assistance in their criminal conspiracy from other anarchists groups throughout the country.  Through their plans and actions they have exhibited a blatant disregard for the law and the safety of others.”