FBI: Anarchists Could Target Conventions

Bulletin warns of attempts to shut down Tampa bridges
By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 23, 2012 4:30 PM CDT
FBI: Anarchists Could Target Conventions
RNC Chairman Reince Priebus, left, and convention CEO William Harris unveil the stage and podium for the 2012 Republican National Convention Monday at the Tampa Bay Times Forum in Tampa, Fla.   (AP Photo/Scott Iskowitz)

Anarchists could turn violent at the Republican and Democratic conventions, the FBI and Department of Homeland Security say in a bulletin obtained by CNN. Such advisories are routine before big events, though this one is drawing attention because of its suggestion that hard-core protesters might use improvised explosive devices. Referring to next week's GOP forum, the report warns of "potentially destructive criminal activities against critical infrastructure outside the security perimeter throughout the Tampa Bay region."

The agencies say New York-based anarchists have discussed trying to close all the area's bridges during the convention. Transportation routes have been key targets at demonstrations here and abroad previously, says the report, and the "FBI and DHS assess with high confidence anarchist extremists will target similar infrastructure in Tampa and Charlotte." Most protesters, however, will likely be law-abiding, it notes. (More FBI stories.)

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