Spokane protest to defy judge’s gun ban on federal grounds http://www.examiner.com/article/spokane-protest-to-defy-judge-s-gun-ban-on-federal-grounds March 6, 2015 10:13 AM MST
Despite a last-minute legal maneuver by a federal judge to ban guns on federal property, not just inside designated facilities as provided for in United States Code, protesters plan on going ahead with today’s armed demonstration at the Tom Foley Federal Building in Spokane, the Patrick Henry Society confirmed in a Thursday post by activist Kit Lange. While the “We will not comply” advocates have reiterated their pledge to protest peacefully, they have also anticipated a legal response that could include arrests and prosecutions.
Those risks arise from an order signed Monday by Chief United States District Judge Rosanna Malouf Peterson of the United States District Court, Eastern District of Washington, who issued an amendment to existing general orders to thwart today's demonstration. It's being held in protest after activist Anthony Bosworth was arrested Feb. 25 by DHS police, caged, pressured by FBI interrogators to give up information about his associates, and released with no charges, but with a “Failure to comply” citation.
The apparent illegality of his arrest last month is highlighted by the judge's order, as had he been violating the law, it would not be needed. Additionally, Bosworth’s firearms were confiscated and have not been returned.
Anticipating a strong reaction to their defiance, the protesters have advised supporters “It is IMPERATIVE that we have as much video and photographic evidence as possible.” Realizing that recorders can be confiscated, they are also seeking means “to livestream the event.”
Another concern is the potential for a provocateur with an agenda to stir up trouble in order to discredit the group. Organizers are taking steps to ensure those in their trusted ranks conduct themselves peaceably, taking appropriate precautions to protect themselves from staged “guilt by association” actions.
In a related development, liberty advocate and citizen journalist Mike Vanderboegh, who was on his to join today’s protest, was prevented by bad weather resulting in cancelled flights. After being shut out at Birmingham, he rented a car and fought through hazardous conditions to drive to Atlanta to fly out from there, only to be denied a boarding pass by US Airways, evidently for arriving with 30 minutes to spare instead of 45. Denied the chance to deliver it directly, he has posted his speech on the Sipsey Street Irregulars blog.
In addition to Vanderboegh's travel being blocked, Lange is reporting other disruptions on her Facebook page. The post also updates supporters on preparations being made by authorities.
Today’s peaceable assembly is scheduled to be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time at the Tom Foley Federal Building, 920 W Riverside Ave Spokane, Washington 99201. Those who cannot make the rally in person can monitor the “Our State, Our Rights” Facebook page, follow the @libertybosworth Twitter feed, and return to this report throughout the day for relevant updates and additional resources as they become known.
UPDATES: Anthony Bosworth phoned Gun Rights Examiner after the event with a recap. All went well and peacefully. He did see snipers and helicopters. He spoke with authorities before the event, including one involved in his prior arrest (with whom he shook hands) and let them know they were going to defy the ban. They reiterated it would be a violation. He informed them he intended to anyway, and advised them to go inside the building and he would handle the crowd of supporters. They for the most part did so throughout. Bosworth initially walked the property and was then joined by other demonstrators. They were not confronted. Afterward some of the police personnel thanked him for being professional and maintaining control. He saw no signs of any of the provocateurs some feared might emerge, but did see some individuals thought to be undercover agents posing as homeless men. He is wrapping up at this writing and looking forward to ending a long day, as he only got about an hour of sleep last night.
Judge cited 18 U.S. Code § 930 (f) for authority
https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/930 Maria Bosworth Twitter feed: Snipers positioned on rooftops.
https://twitter.com/libertybosworth/status/573925170290630657 Maria Bosworth Twitter feed: Anthony walking on grounds.
https://twitter.com/libertybosworth/status/573926041489534977 Maria Bosworth Twitter feed: "Dhs backed down...no arrests..we are on the ground."
https://twitter.com/libertybosworth/status/573926393270009856 Maria Bosworth Twitter feed: "If they take an inch we will take a mile" Anthony Bosworth speaking liberty.
https://twitter.com/libertybosworth/status/573935258644582400
