Early Saturday morning, three of the Occupy protesters from the “nonviolent” F*** the Police march were charged with “possession of an incendiary or explosive device, conspiracy to commit terrorism, and providing material support for terrorism.” The arrests stemmed from allegations they were planning to create molotov cocktails.
The three, Bryan Church, Jarred Chase, and Brent Betterly, were part of a larger group of nine taken into custody during an apartment raid on the south side of Chicago.
“The National Lawyers Guild deplores the charges against Occupy activists in the strongest degree,” said Sarah Gelsomino with the NLG and the People’s Law Office. “It’s outrageous for the city to apply terrorism charges when it’s the police who have been terrorizing activists and threatening their right to protest.”
Late last night, Occupy protesters camped outside of the police station had lengthy discussions about how to make a noise protest that the men inside could hear. They are now referring to the three men as the #NATO3 on twitter.
It appears that some Occupiers are claiming the equipment seized as part of the raid was for beer-brewing. Some also are stating that the arrests are in retaliation for the men’s participation in both the F*** the Police march and for recording a video of police pulling them over earlier in the week, which had been passed around the Occupy circle.
While in custody, those detained apparently were fed White Castle, McDonald’s, and bologna sandwiches. The three will be arraigned Saturday at noon in bond court.
The following livestream channels are recording today’s NATO protest action as-it-happens, which includes a protest outside Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s house:
*Update: Footage has been released of the three charged with conspiracy to commit terrorism
CLICK HERE FOR FULL VERSION OF THIS STORY
