RNC

Rowley, Napolitano: Recent murders don’t vindicate DHS extremists report

Recent murders in Washington, D.C., Kansas and Arizona by suspects with far-right ties have put the term “domestic terrorist” back into the American consciousness. But do these murders validate a much-criticized Department of Homeland Security report on “rightwing extremists”? Not according to two experts who should know — DHS head Janet Napolitano and former FBI agent Coleen Rowley.

FBI, Ramsey County spied on Iowa group before RNC

The Des Moines Register obtained confidential documents last week that show a Ramsey County deputy traveled to Iowa to infiltrate groups protesting the Republican National Convention. The deputy was working for the Ramsey County Sheriff’s office as well as the FBI.

Peeps Legal Review: RNC protest and more on the Coleman-Franken theme

Despite mass arrests at this peepful protest against the Republican National Convention (submitted to the Pioneer Press’ Peeps Diorama Contest), all of the blue and brown peeps’ charges against the pink, yellow and light-green peeps have been dropped. After the jump, a speech-balloon version of the popular Senate election-contest trial scene, and selections from the ABA [...]

Politics cloud decision to drop terrorism charges against RNC Eight

Supporters of the so-called RNC Eight believe electoral politics is at the center of Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner’s decision to drop terrorism charges against the defendants. But the prosecutor — and gubernatorial hopeful — says she’s simply doing what it takes to obtain convictions in the high-profile cases.

Breaking: Terrorism charges against RNC Eight will be dropped

The Ramsey County Attorney’s Office is preparing to drop terrorism charges against the so-called RNC Eight, according to a source close to discussions about the high-profile prosecutions. The group of activists, who have been accused of a criminal conspiracy to disrupt the Republican National Convention, will still face felony charges of criminal conspiracy to riot and damage property.

Riot gear and recounts: London, New York follow trends Minnesota set last fall

They’re wearing riot gear in London and they’re talking recounts in New York. It’s all so St. Paul, last fall.

RNC Eight case wades into murky legal waters of conspiracy theory

The charges that will be brought against the RNC Eight highlight the legal questions surrounding the nature of conspiracy, including a logic that legal experts say draws “perilously close” to prosecuting people for thought crimes.

RNC protesters’ ‘Tour de Fletcher’ bike event attracts fellow travelers: cops

A bike tour of sites that had been raided by police in the days before the Republican National Convention (RNC) attracted the interest of…police. That’s apparent from a video of the tour, which took place on Saturday.

RNC Eight FBI informant found guilty on three criminal charges

Andrew Clark Darst, a key informant in the conspiracy case pending against the RNC Eight, has been found guilty of three criminal counts related to a January altercation in Minnetrista. Hennepin County District Court Judge Daniel Mabley ruled today that Darst is guilty of a gross misdemeanor charge of damage to property, as well as two counts of misdemeanor assault. The 30-year-old Minnetrista resident was acquitted on two burglary counts.

Civil liberties advocates question government-spying bill

Members of peace groups and labor unions expressed fear this morning over a proposed bill, sponsored by Rep. John Lesch (DFL-St. Paul), that would make it easier for law enforcement to secretly keep and and share information about citizens.