Armed Protesters March on Federal Courthouse in Washington
It’s obvious to me why the Feds backed down over this, they know that there are organized forces out there trying to create Ruby Ridge or Waco II as a rallying point for fellow extremists. The Federal authorities might seem like they are rolling over however they are being smart about this.
Defying a federal judge’s order, about 40 armed protesters marched onto the outdoor plaza at the U.S. Courthouse in Spokane where one of their leaders was arrested last week for carrying a loaded assault rifle onto federal property - a seemingly scripted event that galvanized concern nationwide from pro-gun, militia and antigovernment groups.
“We will re-take the plaza today,” Anthony Bosworth, the leader of an antigovernment Liberty for All group said just moments before he walked on the plaza with an AR-15 military-style rifle slung over his shoulder on Friday. He was joined by another unidentified man who also was carrying a rifle slung over his shoulder.
As Bosworth spread out his arms at the main entrance, inviting other armed demonstrators on the sidewalk to join him on the plaza, the Iraq War veteran was greeted by uniformed Department of Homeland Security officers.
But instead of arresting Bosworth as they did last week, the officers told the one-time candidate for sheriff in Yakima, Wash., to have the demonstrators move to the western-edge of the plaza and not block doorways. There were no arrests during the three-hour demonstration, but federal law enforcement agents were present in great number.
More: Armed Protesters March on Federal Courthouse in Washington