police raid in utah

by **Camino Real** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 7:34 pm

<a href="http://utah.indymedia.org/news/2005/08/11330.php">utah.indymedia.org/news/2.../11330.php</a> <a href="http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2005/8/22/13030/7546">www.dailykos.com/storyonl...13030/7546</a> UTAH RAVERS TREATED LIKE TERRORISTS! by Apollo Sun Aug 21st, 2005 at 22:30:30 PDT UTAH RAVERS TREATED LIKE TERRORISTS! EVOL INTENT'S ACCOUNT OF THE INCIDENT! Originally Posted by knick evl ntnt Last night, I was booked to play an event about an hour outside of Salt Lake City, Utah. The hype behind this show was huge, they presold 700 tickets and they expected up to 3,000 people total. The promoters did an amazing job with the show.. they even made slipmats with the flyers on them to promote in local shops. So, we got to the show around 11:15 or so and it was really cool. It was all outdoors, in a valley surrounded by huge mountains. They had an amazing light show flashing on to a mountain behind the site, the sound was booming, the crowd was about 1500 people thick and everything just seemed too good to be true really. Well... At about 11:30 or so, I was standing behind the stage talking with someone when I noticed a helicopter pulling over one of the mountain tops. I jokingly said "Oh look, here comes big brother" to the person I was with. I wasn't far off. Apollo's diary :: :: The helicopter dipped lower and lower and started shining its lights on the crowd. I was kind of in awe and just sat and watched this thing circle us for a minute. As I looked back towards the crowd I saw a guy dressed in camoflauge walking by, toting an assault rifle. At this point, everyone was fully aware of what was going on . A few "troops" rushed the stage and cut the sound off and started yelling that everyone "get the fuck out of here or go to jail". This is where it got really sticky. No one resisted. That's for sure. They had police dogs raiding the crowd of people and I saw a dog signal out a guy who obviously had some drugs on him. The soldiers attacked the guy (4 of them on 1), and kicked him a few times in the ribs and had their knees in his back and sides. As they were cuffing him, there was about 1000 kids trying to leave in the backdrop, peacefully. Next thing I know, A can of fucking TEAR GAS is launched into the crowd. People are running and screaming at this point. Girls are crying, guys are cussing... bad scene. Now, this is all I saw with my own eyes, but I heard plenty of other accounts of the night. Now this isnt gossip I heard from some candy raver, these are instances cited straight out of the promoters mouth.. One of the promoters friends (a very small female) was attacked by one of the police dogs. As she struggled to get away from it, the police tackled her. 3 grown men proceeded to KICK HER IN THE STOMACH. The police confiscated 3 video tapes in total. People were trying to document what was happening out there. The police saw one guy filming and ran after him, tackled him and his camera fell, and luckily.. his friend grabbed it and ran and got away. priceless footage. That's not all though. Out of 1,500 people, there's sure to be more footage. The police were rounding up the staff of the party and the main promoter went up to them with the permit for the show and said "here, I have the permit." The police then said, "no you don't" and ripped the permit out of his hand. Then, they put an assault rifle to his forehead and said "get the fuck out of here right now." Now.. let's get the facts straight here. This event was 100% legal. They had every permit the city told them they needed. They had a 2 MILLION DOLLAR insurance policy for the event. They had liscenced security guards at the gates confiscating any alcohol or drugs found upon entry (yes, they searched every car on the way in). Oh, I suppose I should mention that they arrested all the security guards for possession. Oh another interesting fact.. the police did not have a warrant. The owner of the land already has a lawsuit against the city for something similar. A few months ago, she rented her land for a party and the police raided that as well. And catch this, the police forced her to LEAVE HER OWN PERSONAL PROPERTY. That's right. They didnt arrest her, but made her leave her own property!!! Don't get it twisted, this is all going down in probably THE most conservative state in the USA. And this is scary.. a gross violation of our civil liberties. The police wanted this party shut down, so they made it happen. Even though everything about this event was legal. The promoters spent over $ 20,000 on this show and did everything they had to to make it legit, only to have it taken away from them by a group of radical neo-con's with an agenda. This was one of the scariest things I have ever witnessed in person. I can't even begin to describe how surreal it was. Helicopters, assault rifles, tear gas, camoflauge-wearing soldiers.... why? Was that really necessary? This needs to be big news across the USofA. At least in our music scene (edm as a whole)... this could happen to any of us at any time. When we're losing the right to gather peacefully, we're also letting the police set a standard of what we can get away with. And I think that's BULLSHIT! The system fucked up last night... They broke up a party that was 100% legal and they physically hurt a lot of people there at the same time. The promoters already have 6 lawsuits ready to file with their lawyers and the ACLU is already involved. I'm sure some pictures (and hopefully some video) will surface soon. I'll make sure to post them up here on 404, so you can see the Police State of America at work. p.s. - there are more stories of police brutality that i'll post up later. gotta hit the airport soon. can't wait to get the fuck out of this shit hole state. www.buzzlife.com/forums/showthread.php

by **ZeroHaven** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 8:07 pm

very interesting, considering the bits I heard about this included that large amounts of drugs were seized from individuals. probably not true, but that won't matter to those that want to believe it. There's figures saying 80 to 90 percent of Utah's crimes involve drugs... the <a href="http://attorneygeneral.utah.gov/clubdrugs.html" target="top">Utah government</a> is really cracking down, check the video link. <img src="http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a239/ZeroHaven/tinhat.gif"/>

by **toscaveritas** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 9:13 pm

watch the video here <a href="http://homepage.mac.com/apexgrin/FileSharing2.html">homepage.mac.com/apexgrin/FileSharing2.html</a> to me, they look like SOLDIERS, NOT police!

by **toscaveritas** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 9:17 pm

AP: Police arrest five anti-war protesters, two injured, in march JOE MANDAK Associated Press PITTSBURGH - Police charged four people protesting the war in Iraq, two of whom suffered minor injuries from the police response, when 60 people disrupted traffic by marching the wrong way down a busy one-way street toward an Army recruiting station. The Pittsburgh Organizing Group planned the Saturday morning demonstration. A spokesman for that group, David Meieran, accused police of responding with "inappropriate and excessive force." Meieran claimed some protesters were pepper sprayed and Tasered; he said a 68-year-old woman who was not resisting was bitten by a police dog. Police spokeswoman Tammy Ewin initially said no pepper spray was used on protesters, but Sgt. Clint Winkler, a supervisor on duty, told The Associated Press he tried to use pepper spray on one woman who would not leave, but it hit her glasses. She was then subdued with a Taser, Winkler said. The Taser victim and the dog bite victim were being treated at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital. Winkler confirmed that the older woman was bitten in the leg by a police dog when she refused a police order to disperse. The names of those charged were not immediately available because they were being readied for arraignment in City Court Saturday afternoon, Winkler said. Winkler said one teenage female was handcuffed but not arrested when she screamed at and shoved officers. She was cited for disorderly conduct and released. The recruiting station was not open for business when police responded to reports of the non-permitted march down Forbes Avenue, where the University of Pittsburgh main campus is located. Winkler said campus police tried to quell the march, and at one point protesters grabbed the camera of a freelance media photographer and broke it. City police tried to help and said some protesters fought the effort to break up the march. "That's when they were told, due to the violence, that this was no longer a lawful protest," Winkler said. "They were told to disperse, peacefully disperse, and failed to do so we started down the sidewalk - officers in front, K-9's behind us, and started pushing the crowd down the sidewalk." In addition to the injured women, a man was also arrested on charges of disorderly conduct and failure to disperse. Winkler said the protest broke up without further incident after the arrests, but Meieran disagreed with the police version of the events. "The response was way over the top," Meieran said. "Why in the (expletive) were they using Tasers on these nonviolent protesters in the first place? I heard no dispersal order. What they're saying is total (expletive)." Meieran said the same recruiting station was targeted by marchers two weeks ago, and the office announced beforehand that it would be closed. Meieran said the marchers didn't know if the station would be open when they arrived; it was not. "Our goal for today was to shut down military recruitment for that station, and to the extent that they may have shut down preemptively, we achieved our goal," Meieran said. Army officials could not immediately be reached for comment about the march or why that recruiting station was closed. <a href="http://www.timesleader.com/mld/timesleader/news/local/12434627.htm">www.timesleader.com/mld/timesleader/news/local/12434627.htm</a> VIDEO of the tasering of a woman who is on the ground and restrained: <a href="http://media.indypgh.org/uploads/2005/08/taser1_edit.mov">media.indypgh.org/uploads/2005/08/taser1_edit.mov</a>

by **Starman** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 9:49 pm

This is absolutely appalling -- but its just an extension of desperate, extremist attitudes we've seen from the increasingly paranoid ruling-elite parasite thugs of empire, now turning their paramilitary goons loose to crack heads and intimidate We, The People, spreading a little homegrown Fear and Terror, attempting to prevent Freedom-Loving Folks from celebrating life and peace, and above all stamping-out the spirit of Protest, to discourage folks from organizing to resist the Corporatocracy's criminal reign. More info and comments: Here's Mike Rivero's take, from whatreallyhappened.com: "I know I am asking to get hacked by posting this, but people need to copy this locally and share it with everyone they know. Those do NOT look like police officers beating up on the kids. And a source inside the Utah government reports that this action was undertaken out of fear that the Rave would be used to rally support for the protest against Bush's Utah visit. Is this enough? Need we wait to have another Kent State where American children are gunned down by other Americans in uniforms? Or can we finally see what this government has become? Take a good look at this video. This is the image of the USA the rest of the world sees. This is the Neocon dream for America." ------------------------------------------------------- <a href="http://utah.indymedia.org/news/2005/08/11330.php">utah.indymedia.org/news/2.../11330.php</a> Police Raid Outdoor Music Event by Parker Pinette Monday August 22, 2005 at 04:30 AM ppinette@gmail.com Numerous accounts from attendees of an outdoor electronic music event in Utah county indicate excessive force used by Sherrif and SWAT officers. A video has surfaced depicting officers dressed in full military fatigues raiding the main stage of the event. Local news stations side with police in initial reports. Attendees of the outdoor electronic music event dubbed "Versus II" taking place the evening of Saturday, August 20th in the Diamond Fork area of Spanish Fork Canyon in Utah County arrived at the event with confidence that the concert organizers had obtained the proper permits and legal clearance to hold the event. Personal accounts available at the local electronic community websiteutrave.org paint a scene of police brutality and mayhem, many accounts bearing eyewitness to the forceful arrest of young girls. Reports state that at approximately 11:30pm upwards of 90 officers, many wearing full camouflage gear, gathered from Sherrif and SWAT departments in surrounding areas stormed the previously peaceful gathering dedicated to music and dance. At least 1 helicopter was dispatched, along with large tranport vehicles designated for both officers and detainees. Numerous statements from attendees indicate excessive force being exerted by many officers. Inuries including mild to severe bruises and cuts have been reported by party goers as young as age 17. The Utah County Sherrif's Office has expressed a long term vendetta against what they call "Rave" parties. Statements from the Sherrif's office as well as eyewitness accounts make it clear that this was a premeditated attack on the promoters and community supporting these events. While the Sherrif's office has stated that many drugs and pieces of paraphernalia were obtained, they fail to note how many of the 60+ citations were for drug violations. Many accounts indicate the majority of citations and arrests were for resisting arrest. The Sherrif's office states that the party was raided on the grounds of failure to obtain a mass gathering permit for an event hosting more than 250 attendees. Reports vary as to the number in attendance, estimation ranging from 250 to 1,400. Controversy exists as to whether a mass gathering permit was actually obtained, however, a Health Department permit was obtained, and hired security and emergency medical service personnel were on site. Many eyewitness accounts indicate that officers singled out party goers attempting to document the events on camcorders, cameras and camera phones. Victims have claimed that officers knocked cameras out of the hands of the owner, even confiscating some. Luckily, one video has surfaced, and is quickly spreading across the internet, as well as being featured by at least one local news station. The video clearly displays a large number of officers dressed in full camouflage fatigues, some brandishing rifles. In the higher quality version of the video, which includes sound, it is apparent that the use of a taser was employed. While the video is somewhat unclear at times, the viewer can plainly see an officer atop a young girl fully subdued on the ground on her stomach; he swings on her at least twice, as more officers rush forward to manhandle the girl. It is clear that many others were subdued using similar levels of force. Initial reports from local news stations side with the Sherrif's Office, one anchor calling the event a "drug party" without batting an eye. Reports tend to focus on the drugs and paraphernalia acquired by police, rather than the obvious violation of civil liberties reported by those in attendance and depicted by the amateur video, which has been provided to all major local news agencies. Surprisingly, the local Fox News affiliate Fox 13 seemed to give the most unbiased report, stating that many attendees had reported excessive force, as well as showing the official media response from the Utah County Sherrif's Office. Clips of the previously mentioned video were also shown. Other news agencies have gone along with the Sherrif's Office in painting a picture of drugs, guns, and sexual assault running rampant at electronic music events in general, and especially this one. KUTV Channel 2 News blatantly inferred that the hired security was merely in place to prevent the sale of drugs by anyone but the event organizers. All major reports restate the claim made by the Sherrif's department that a 17-year-old girl was found by officers to have overdosed on ecstasy, treated on site, then released to her parents. Many attendees and members of the electronic music and dance community are organizing lawsuits against the Sherrif's Office. The ACLU has been contacted as well as many organizations dedicated to educating and protecting the electronic music community. Vigilant party goers are compiling evidence, including video and pictures of the event, as well as personal accounts and documentation of injuries inflicted by law enforcement. ***** SHERIFF'S STATEMENT: <a href="http://www.utahcountyonline.org/News/DeptNewsDetails.asp?ID=17759&WN_System=SHERIFF">www.utahcountyonline.org/...em=SHERIFF</a> VIDEO: <a href="http://homepage.mac.com/apexgrin/FileSharing2.html">homepage.mac.com/apexgrin...ring2.html</a> *** Blog-comments and Video stills: <a href="http://stonefruit.blogspot.com/2005/08/all-your-drum-and-bass-are-belong-to.html">stonefruit.blogspot.com/2...ng-to.html</a> Streaming Video, Mirror sites: <a href="http://www.angrymobclan.com/facism.mov">www.angrymobclan.com/facism.mov</a> <a href="http://cutup.org.nyud.net:8090/dir/fascism.mov">cutup.org.nyud.net:8090/dir/fascism.mov</a> <a href="http://www.modernfix.com/images/videos/Utah_rave_troops_invade.mov">www.modernfix.com/images/...invade.mov</a> Download Video: <a href="http://homepage.mac.com/apexgrin/FileSharing2.html">homepage.mac.com/apexgrin...ring2.html</a> Here's another video mirror: <a href="http://members.cox.net/cowicide/conservativevideo.html">members.cox.net/cowicide/...video.html</a> Eyewitness Accounts: <a href="http://utrave.org/showthread.php?t=20020&page=1&pp=10">utrave.org/showthread.php...ge=1&pp=10</a> *** Like a gun in your face? by Scott Benton Monday August 22, 2005 at 11:44 AM skottfree@hotmail.com 435-232-5311 Well On the 20th of August 2005, I was attending an electronic music concert in Diamond Fork Canyon, just outside of Spanish Fork Utah. Around 11:45 P.M. I noticed a helicopter flying quite low with a spot light. It wasn't much longer after all of us noticed the helicopter that we saw full camo swat teams rush in from every side... It was like Iraq in Utah. Swat was surrounding the event with guns drawn and in an attack position. With in moments of seeing the first gun, swat jumped onto the main stage, guns pointed, and started screaming at the dj's. At this point I make my way to an officer to inquire about their reasoning for breaking up the event. Upon asking the officer their reasoning for entering the premises the officer raised the barrel of his gun and placed it no more that a foot away from my face and said , "Get the F*ck out of here!" At this point I turned around to witness an officer trying to grab a female in a red sweater. This female is screaming at the officer to not touch her. After about a minute of yelling and the girl continuously backing up, the officer took her to the ground in brute force!!! They were assaulting her. Her boyfriend stepped in and tried to pull the officer off of her. At this point I saw an attack dog released upon the male who was trying to pull the officer off the female. Then 4 more officers ran in and started attacking the male and a 2nd female. I witnessed people being attacked and harassed all around. I saw people's camera's being stolen and thrown on the ground by officers. I was even told by an officer that If I didn't stop taking pictures on my phone he would arrest me.. I have never witnessed anything like this.. Not even in my years of growing up in Oakland, California. I hope that someone from your office takes a look into this case... This is already national news amongst the electronic music scene! Thanks, Scott Benton 899 E Canyon Rd #4 Logan, Utah, 84321 435-232-5311 *** Xenon by Xenon Monday August 22, 2005 at 12:02 PM eyeknow54@hotmail.com Are we surprised? I am a 55 year old male, and I witnessed the 60s first hand. The Powers that Be do not want another 60s to happen again, and they will do the same as they did back then....Smash and Destroy! The Rave Scene has the potential to grow into another 60's/hippy/protest culture, and perhaps this event will politicize Ravers, instead of simply enjoying the music, much like we did at Rave-Ups, Be-Ins, Hootenanies, and Fillmore concerts. It's a damn shame that the same standards are not set for Monster truck Rallies, Football TailGate parties, Rodeos, and Toby Keith Concerts. With Cindy Sheeham standing her ground in Texas, these Rednecks are taking out their hatred toward the Counter-Culture, Anti-War people, Leftists, Liberals, and Constitutionalists., on defensless ravers, much like wolves do with a herd of deer. Go after these monsters legally, or else nothing will stop them. We are living in a bonified Police State, and now must we wait for another staged or actual terrorist attack to go into full blown Martial Law, where EVERYWHERE will lokk like this Rave in Utah? ** An injury to one is an injury to all by tkat Monday August 22, 2005 at 12:28 PM Please everyone keep in mind the state will use as much power as it can get away with. This was a legal money making gathering, that had hired professional security and had proper permits. This was not a protest, this was not a renegade event. This is a war, don't ever forget that this war is against our freedom. *** video footage of the event by ripley Monday August 22, 2005 at 12:30 PM QuickTime movie at 4.4 mebibytes: <a href="http://utah.indymedia.org/uploads/utah_police_brutality.mov">utah.indymedia.org/upload...tality.mov</a> here is video footage of the event. fucked up. *** looks like czechtek by ripley Monday August 22, 2005 at 12:34 PM Forgot to say.. looks just like what happened at czechtek (<a href="http://www.czechtek.freetekno.org)">www.czechtek.freetekno.org)</a> , only the cops are much more armed and all camo'ed out. But the same shit just went down (sans dogs, but with lots more teargas I think) in czech republic. <a href="http://en.policejnistat.cz/">en.policejnistat.cz/</a> Time to unite! *** Xenon by Xenon Monday August 22, 2005 at 12:38 PM eyeknow54@hotmail.com It is the Mind Set that they are at War with too. The biggest threat to the Linear, Hive-Minded person is the Self-actuated hedonistic person. This is the same throughout history. The witches were burned and tortured because they ate psychedelics and could cure people of stomach ailments and hard childbirths with herbs. This was a direct threat to the State (Church), and they were eliminated. In the Rave case, as in so many other Non-Linear events, the Hivers (Drunks) cannot comprehend what Hippies. Ravers, Bohemians, Artists, Pot Smokers, Dancers, Gays, Lesbians, and ANti-War people think, so they respond like all good robots of the state do...VIOLENCE!!!!! *** Dubyas War on American Youth by DJ Paul Edge Monday August 22, 2005 at 12:53 PM You gotta read this <a href="http://www.djpauledge.com/blog.php?id=106">www.djpauledge.com/blog.php?id=106</a> *** media distraction by Brian - Dundalk Ireland Monday August 22, 2005 at 01:08 PM Hi guys, I just can't help thinking that this is a deliberately contrived distraction to take peoples attention away from Camp Casey and the declining popularity of your psycho mass murderer preznit . The exact same tactic was use in london recently after the fake patsy bombings of 7/7 - where too many people were questioning the inconsistencies of the official police lies. I'm referrring to the murder of Jean De Menezes of course. They hide one atrocity with another. Disgraceful. *** Seeded torrents of the video! by pets_or_meat Monday August 22, 2005 at 03:54 PM Seeded torrents of the video can be found at these two sites ... Look for the file: Fascism: Utah rave raid. <a href="http://torrentspy.com/default.asp">torrentspy.com/default.asp</a> and ... <a href="http://conspiracycentral.net:6969/">conspiracycentral.net:6969/</a> *** another torrent by p2p friendly Monday August 22, 2005 at 05:10 PM This torrent contains both versions of the video. indytorrents.org/torrents/utah_rave_raid.torrent?info_hash=ae63c5f4885000e9e2... *** not american by kaatd@yahoo.com Monday August 22, 2005 at 06:42 PM As Paul Astley noted, it's not an Amrican thing. Shure as hell, intolerance an religous lunacy are rampant in the US, but attacking and closing raves is not restricted to the US. Take a look at this: <a href="http://www.dance-a-delic.be/">www.dance-a-delic.be/</a> It's in Belgium? I went to this festival 5 times and never, ever saw or heard about any problem whatsoever surrounding the festival. Yet it gets closed down. For no obvious reasan apart from the fact that they just want us to adhere to their lifestyle. Sad really. In the UK The criminal Justice and public order act led to ravers, squaters and travellers untiting against the gov'ment. It's abou time targeted people in the US join hands and form a front against these right wing lunatics. *** photos by stonefruit Monday August 22, 2005 at 06:53 PM I captured photos from the video, available for viewing at <a href="http://stonefruit.blogspot.com/2005/08/all-your-drum-and-bass-are-belong-to.html">stonefruit.blogspot.com/2...ng-to.html</a> www.stonefruit.blogspot.com *** Video Mirror by Paganize Monday August 22, 2005 at 08:25 PM Paganize@gmail.com I set up a mirror, and added a DivX version of the larger .MOV file, plus some stills. <a href="http://www.vrpro.net/freedom">www.vrpro.net/freedom</a> *** Excessive Force Not Warrented by Christopher Contini Monday August 22, 2005 at 11:46 PM bumpheavy@yahoo.com I do not condone nor condemn the use of drugs and/or alcohol at dance events such as the one raided by police forces in the aforementioned article. However, it is apparent that the actions carried out by US armed forces at the so-called "rave" were extreme and unnecessary. Kicking young women in the stomach and allowing police dogs to intimidate and in some cases attack other US citizens is an embarrassment to the law enforcement agencies that this country supports and relies on to keep the peace and maintain civility within our country. The people attacked that night were our own children and young adults - kicked and beaten by other US citizens with guns and dogs that are trained to maul other people...they are in fact trained to do just that. If this is how we treat our own children, can you imagine how US soldiers abroad treat so called "enemies" or citizens of other countries as we occupy and destroy other nations? It is as if we unleashed a group of trigger happy and emotionally underdeveloped teenagers on our own, UNARMED kids! The fact of the matter is that the behaviors like those carried out by law enforcement officials that evening was inhumane, unjust, unnecessary, and wreaking of the kinds of behaviors that we condemn our "enemies" for. According to the Bush administration, one of the reasons we destroyed Iran was due to actions carried out against the citizens of Iran by their own undemocratic government. I am curious – do you think that I would receive that same reaction here at home if such actions were carried out against me by our own US troops? I am frightened at the thought of whether or not my fellow US citizens would come to my aide or support me if I was unjustly and violently attacked by law enforcement agents. Would you? No, you would not. This is not a free country. We are not governed by democracy, but by fear. Nomb Chompsky is right - freedom is not a right of the American people. It is a legacy left by those who fought each an every time our rights were jeopardize by those who sought to compromise the integrity of the Constitution of the United States. And it is written in our constitution (read it for yourself), and I paraphrase, that if our rights are threatened, it is OUR DUTY as US citizens to over throw the very government that threatens the rights articulated in that founding document. You may write this off as a small instance – one that will blow over eventually. And for sure, it will. But what of the next…and the next...and the next? *** Local Utah County Swat Beat Down Innocent Ravers!! VIDEO!! Body: Account told by Rodan from UTRAVE.org PLease read the following accounts adn take a serious look at out governments priorities: I have posted at the bottom of this page some links and facts about the war on drugs, the national budget, etc. that are worth ANY americans time--PEASE READ IT ********************************************** PLEASE forward this on to your friends as well. What happened last night CAN NOT be ignored. These are all first hand accounts of what went down. _______________________________________________ My account of the night of versus 2 is as follows: I was standing behind the second stage watching a friend of mine play records. Everyone on the dance floor was talking or dancing to my friend’s Reggae / Ragga music he was playing. Everyone appeared to be having a good time. Up on the hill I noticed some cars that had been stopped for some time and on top of one of the bigger cars I saw what looked like ambulance lights. I commented to my friend standing next to me that the vehicle over there looked like an ambulance. He jokingly said that it was a paddy wagon. Ironically, he was right. That was a paddy wagon from the Utah National Guard. After a little while I saw flashlights coming toward us. I leaned over to my friend at my right and mentioned how I think the cops are here. I was pretty wrong since no longer than thirty seconds had passed when we had assault rifles pointed at us. I was standing there behind the DJ booth with my hands in my pockets when they started yelling at us. They told me to take my hands out of my pockets, which I did. Then they told me to just put my hands on my head. I did that. They told my DJ friend that he needed to shut the music off. After they had said that they turned around and started yelling at us again. They said that it was an Illegal party and that we needed to fill our car with people and go. Their rifles were still pointed at us. They asked us if this was our equipment at the booth, to which we replied no. They told us that they knew we had been drinking and if we were too drunk to drive to stay there. Then another armed officer told us that we needed to leave now. We walked back to our car and saw groups of people being harassed and being told to leave. We kept walking to the car. I counted about 9 police trucks, an ambulance and a paddy wagon on our way out the gate. This is my account of what happened. I heard a lot more happened to other people. I feel lucky to be one of those who didn’t go to jail. Didn’t have police dogs sent after them, and most of all, I’m glad I didn’t get tasered. - Sean Liddell. - Jedi3.14@gmail.com ______________________________________________ Last night at 10:00 PM I arrived at a party in the Spanish Fork canyon. I was excited to be there to listen to the great electronic artists that had traveled for to play for the crowd. Before coming to the event I researched it extensively. The party was %100 percent legal and legit with all permits and necessary security required by law being acquired. The event was well organized, with garbage cans, porta potties, and rope lines blocking off parts of the area that you could no go into. Now I want you to know that many people out there consider ravers a bunch of drug taking freaks. I also want you to know that that is a stereotype that is passed down through legions of undereducated parents, politicians, and media. There are many of us who are drug free party goers who attend these events for a pure love of the music. So on to my point. At around 11:00 I was enjoying the good vibes and great music. Then at about 11:30 pm a helicopter began circling the party. Out of nowhere huge semis filled with national guard, swat, and the police rolled up. Soldiers came out of the bushes and rushed down to the party. Carrying M-16s, Ak-47s, nightsticks, and tazers. They proceeded to attack random people and push their might around on people who had done nothing wrong. I saw about 7 people attacked (before being forced to leave). I saw two of them right in front of me. One was a guy who was walking around with a camcorder stunned at what was happening. A soldier told him to give him the camera now. The raver said no it is my camera. The soldier then proceeded to grab the camera, throw it to the ground and then began beating the kid. In the end they threw him to the ground violently an put their knee into his back while handcuffing him. All for wanting to keep his property. When I last saw him he was knocked out and unmoving. Another girl next to me said to one of the soldiers that she didn't know how to get home as they had just arrested her friend. The soldier told her to walk home. My friend tried to grab her to bring her with us, but the soldier began yelling that she had touched him (which she hadn't). WIthin seconds, five soldiers had jumped on her and were literally beating the crap out of this innocent women. She was punched in the face, thrown to the ground, and kicked while down. All for worrying how to get home safely. She is now suing. The soldiers proceeded to attack anyone with cameras or camcorders, obviously wanting to restrict the film that got out about it. This was not a legal attack, it was a blatant violation on our rights as American citizens. And the swat, police, politicians who authorized this, and the national guard knew this. That is why they were removing potential evidence. We were treated as terrorists, innocent kids without weapons or even violent thoughts in their minds were manhandled, treated like terrorists, and forced to stop doing what we were by constitutional rights allowed to be doing. Our rights were completely removed from us. It was if we had visited the 1960s or communist China. -Rodan ___________________________________________________ My name is Colby and this is my account of what happened at versus. In a large clearing a mile or so up Diamond Fork Canyon near Spanish Fork, Utah, there was an outdoor electronic music show. At approximately 11:30 PM, a helicopter with a spotlight made its first pass over the main stage. It came back and hovered over the confused crowd, as National Guardsmen in full camoflauge, helmets, boots, gas masks, and armed with assault rifles and dogs swarmed into the crowd. They first made their way onto the stage, grabbing people and forcing them onto the ground to handcuff them. I saw at least two people being beaten on the ground while barking, snarling dogs are held just a few feet from them. Weapons were being pointed at unarmed, peaceful civilians. A friend of mine was forced at gunpoint to put his hands on his head and turn around, because he asked if he could get his things from the tent. Tents were ripped open indiscriminately, and all belongings and bags were recklessly searched. I've heard accounts of people taking pictures, and when they refused to hand over the camera to the authorities, beaten or tasered. One sheriff said that "many people at the party had guns" and that there were "children in danger". The only guns I saw were the rifles held by soldiers, and the only children in danger were the people being wrongfully attacked by them. They say they shut it down because of drugs. Raves are not the only musical gatherings where drugs are used and distributed. The fact is that it was a premeditated strike, more likely motivated by a vendetta against raves stemming from Sequence Five (a previous outdoor party that the police did not have the manpower to shut down) than actually enforcing drug laws. ___________________________________________________ The Following is an Account of the Actions of the Night of August 20th 2005. I arrived at the location for an outdoor electronic music event, at around 9:25 p.m. The First thing I noticed was the structure, and the layout of the site was very well organized. Markers were placed to prevent people from wandering off the designated paths. Wastebaskets and Trash recepticles were numerous. I was assured that the promoters had obtained 100% Legal Access to the land. All in all I was looking forward to a fun night with my friends, listening to music. I consider it like any other event ive gone to (Rock Concerts, Rap Concerts, etc.) The mood was festive, people were dancing and I could even smell the meat cooking from a grill. At Around 11:39 p.m. I noticed a bright light in the sky to the North East, which I quickly realized was a Helicopter Search light, and I saw it circling over head. I assumed that the Helicopter was only there to scout us, make sure we weren't doing anything wrong, so I quickly dismissed it. However, it made 2 more passes and got substantially lower to the ground each time. At this time I heard a Woman next to me say "The Police Are Here, Everyone Has to Leave" Lots of people were disappointed, but noone was: rioting, fighting, or being insubordinate. People merely began to file towards their cars. At this time I actually got a look at my surroundings. Dozens of Men in Full Camo, Kevlar Vests, Gas Masks MP5 Navy's AUG's and many other fire-arms. Attack Dogs, were barking somewhere ahead of me. Suddenly I saw the sight that disgusted me. A person whom I had met before was on the ground face first, 4 Reservists had their guns pointed to his head, and were handcuffing him. Their attack dog was mauling his: Shoulder, Neck and Torso areas. I was quickly shuffled along but was very disgusted. I had attempted to record the man on the ground with my Camera-Phone, but a soldier approached me and took my phone and said "move Along" I still have not recovered it. I also was witness to the blunt beatings using shoulder rests of weapons. My friend Katie Mercer was hit in the side of the head with an MP5 because a soldier took her camera, and she was trying to recover it from him. I was witness to numerous people being held at gunpoint, people being handcuffed, Attack Dogs, Guns, Malice, Hatred. This blatant over-use of force is not only un-moral, it is also ILLEGAL. At no time during the night did I see any person with: -Firearms -Knives -Fireworks -Drugs While it may be true that some individuals choose to take drugs at said events like this, Myself as well as many others choose to go for the music. Just like anything, you have bad apples, but you shouldn't cut down the tree. _________________________________________________ Last night was one of the worst nights of my life. I am still incredibly shaken up by what happened ....enough to the point of where I'm still having problems talking about it. So i will tell you my side in a few words then link you to a more detailed version of how Knick explains it . I was playing in Salt Lake City about 1 hour away at a massive outdoor event. 700 presold tickets, and by 11:20, there were 1400 kids there already.... all in all total expected... 3 - 4k. This was an all drum and bass event, held on private land, with an amazing view of the mountains surrounding us. This event was fully contracted with the city. They had all permits, a huge insurance policy and they were paying taxes. you have to know this is because of what happened next. And in NO MEANS is this story exaggerated. word for word this is what happened. It was 1145... i had 30 min before my set, so i was running around lookin at the mountains and the people dancing, laughing , the crazy visiuls they even had prjecting on the mountains. i will share photos once i can see them. All of the sudden a helicopter comes in with massive spot lights .. all on the people circling everyone ... and within minutes like out of some fuckin movie , soldiers with guns (fucking rifles )come in out of the grass, like some vietnam shit. The police in full riot gear come in, big trucks ... next thing you know they are throwing tear gas at people, setting dogs on people, arresting kids. 4 big guys on one dnb fan kicking him down tieing his hands .... making kids sit in the dirt with their hands tied all in a line, now you must remember in this whole time NO ONE was resisting arrest or making a big deal, everyone peaceful started to walk out... but yet they were throwin tear gas... it gets worst ... but whats even more fucked up is hundreds of kids on drugs driving home on the freeway while they were just in major trauma. i still cant even figure out what the hell happened, the promoter called me to make sure me knick and spor were ok and i broke down crying.. couldnt breath, i was freaking out ..... why? Is this what our fuckin country has come to .... a point of someone making a fully legal show and STILL getting busted for WHAT?????? What did 3000 kids on private land in the mountains near NOTHIING .. do to ANYONE? The promoters have a massive lawsuit and they have so much evidence against the county that its not even funny, I will be present to testify against these fuckin pigs. And if you think this matter is a joke then all i have to say is . I didnt belive it until i had gas thrown at me. I am going to make sure i keep you all posted on this, and let you know if theres a way any of you can help. -DJ SYZE -_________________________________________________ Alisha's account This is my account of events that unfolded while attending an outdoor electronic music event. I arrived shortly before 9 pm sharp. My two friends and i set up camp and headed to the stage. All was well and peaceful enjoying the music to the full extent while dancing. Around 11:30pm or so i noticed a helicopter flying above the main stage of the event. At this point i am confused. The chopper began to come in closer to the stage with a search light focused on the crowd. I got nervous and still very confused and walked over to find my two friends I had arrived with earlier. Just as soon as i did that I looked over at my friend and asked "whats going on". That is when I was greeted by a man in full army attire, gas mask and all. He said to leave. I said what whats going on, at which point i was brutally attacked. Thrown to the ground and in the scuffle punched in the face by swat. That was not it either. I suppose i posed some a threat as another swat member rushed over to subdue me to the ground puting his knee in my back and arresting me. At that point I am screaming to a patron "whats going on?" He is just as confused as I am. At that point another swat member came over and kicked me in the leg. Let me tell you that I also only weigh 130 pounds. I had three grown men attack and beat me and throw me to ground for absolutely no reason at all. Not to mention being dragged to a van and violently being tossed in and taken to jail. Fined for resisting arrest and another outrageous charge. I do need to mention also that while this is all happening to me at the same time my two friends, a boy and girl were trying to reach out and stop them, at that point they were attacked and arrested as well. That is my account. I have all the bruises to show. Our basic human rights were violated in a very bad way. We have to tell our story. Do all that you can and dont be afraid to speak up. *** Bloody Hell. The hypocrisy of the system's internal rottoness is becoming so obvious they are getting more and more desperate to hide it, even from themselves -- an army that lies and murders its own troops rather than admit its ranks are corrupted by arms-and drugs-smuggling opportunitists, and that it's officers are ass-kissing sycophants unwilling to jeapordize their careers to object to illegal abuses or foolish incompetance that risks troops with stupid orders by Generals who haven't got a clue, pandering to the White House gang's self-absorbed wish-based delusions -- With a commander who isn't brave enough to meet with an outraged mother in fears she'll tell him off for the bufoon he is -- The fraud and crimes and lies and hypocrisy is as great as it ever was during the senseless horror of America's SE Asian killing-spree -- Now America is turning on its children for the risk that they might confront the nation with the terrible truth that the ruling-elites and their corporate clients have become America's biggest enemies, traitors to everything the nation once stood for and that We, The People want to reclaim. Time to Wake the Fuck UP! Starman

by **Dreams End** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 9:56 pm

I'm confused. I didn't see any police officers in the video...only what looked like soldiers. Why do the news reports keep talking about "officers" or do Utah police wear camo now?

by **wintler** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 4:07 am

Important point Dreams End, one i haven't seen proven either way. Were they cops, or soldiers, or both? Looking on the bright side (ppl keep telling me to), maybe now ravers will discover the antiestablishment roots of their scene. Some of the biggest early raves in the UK were Reclaim the Streets actions blocking highway building, and early dance parties were nearly always unofficial/unpermitted. Their mistake was asking for permission. How many might a Reclaim Government rave draw?

by **smiths** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 6:23 am

either they are the military, or the police in america have decided to change to full combat gear when doing things like this. which says a hell of a lot it is unbelievable one of the amazing things about it is that you can talk all day about martial law and fascist creep in western societies but when you actually see something like this it is still deeply shocking. i hope none of those poor sods were on acid, cos that would have just about melted my brain if i was tripping, bummer...

by **ZeroHaven** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 9:48 am

I suggest a mild change of reporting tactics. In reading some of these stories I can hear the responses to this article from "upstanding citizens" saying - Those kids were on drugs, something has to be done. This is NOT the message that needs to be conveyed. ter·ror·ism n - The unlawful use or threatened use of force or violence by a person or an organized group against people or property with the intention of intimidating or coercing societies or governments, often for ideological or political reasons. new version of stories ---------- Terrorists Attack Outdoor Music Event PITTSBURGH - Terrorists attacked four people protesting the war in Iraq, two of whom suffered minor injuries from the terrorist response ------------------------- Call it what it is, so that there's NO excuses. <img src="http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a239/ZeroHaven/tinhat.gif"/>

by **Sweejak** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 8:02 pm

Chopper video <a href="http://idisk.mac.com/apexgrin/Public/choppernight.mov">idisk.mac.com/apexgrin/Pu...rnight.mov</a>

by **glubglubglub** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 8:11 pm

The rave was held in the same canyon that that truck exploded in two weeks ago. Could be nothing, could be more than meets the eye here...I suspect the county is going to wind up trying to settle.

by **heath7** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 10:12 pm

The establishment obviously views raves as some convoluted threat; so much so, they swoop in faster than you can say 'Osama's in Tora Bora'. The obvious answer is that we must do everything in our power to rave-out at all times<img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/happy.gif ALT=":D">

police raid in utah

police raid in utah

Re: police raid in utah

Re: police raid in utah

Pittsburg Peace Protest- last weekend

Police State Crackdown on Music, Free Expression

Re: Police State Crackdown on Music, Free Expression

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unbelievable

Re: unbelievable

Re: unbelievable

one possible synchronicity worth noting

Re: police raid in utah

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