A startling newsletter was released by the Protective Services Bureau of the Division of Intelligence and Information Analysis within the U.S. Capitol Police regarding the upcoming “Justice or Else” rally. The newsletter was sent in September 2015 and obtained by the Washington Post. The document states Nation of Islam leader, the Hon. Min. Louis Farrakhan “has been accused of inciting violence against both Caucasians and police officers.” A blatant lie disproved countless times by Min. Farrakhan through various media interviews.
The newsletter goes on to state about Min. Farrakhan that he is an “Incendiary, antagonistic, confrontational, race-baiter. … Long considered somewhat of an opportunist, [Farrakhan] is no novice when it comes to fanning the flames of fire.”
The first Million Man March held in October 1995 had no violent incidents or antisocial behavior. Despite this fact, the newsletter states, “given today’s negative racial climate and the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement … there are legitimate concerns that the second march may not be as peaceful.”
Capitol Police Chief Kim Dine apparently had either no idea or consultation on the newsletter put out by the intelligence unit. On Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2015, he stated to the media that the newsletter “does not reflect the viewpoint or values of the United States Capitol Police, nor was it intended to provide instruction or guidance to our employees … [The U.S. Capitol Police] prides itself on protecting the rights of people to peaceably assemble under the First Amendment.”
The letter was sent to approximately 1,800 officers on the force and caused considerable anger and a call for Chief Dine’s dismissal. James Konczos, head of the U.S. Capitol Police Labor Committee, which is the police union representing many of the officers is quoted as saying “You can’t have people putting out inflammatory comments and not [being held] accountable. … We’re a professional police organization without professional leadership.”
There have also been threats directed against the attendees of the “Justice or Else” rally calling for anti-Muslim bigots to bring guns and attend the rally also. These threats are found on YouTube and Twitter in hidden groups that harbor an intense hatred of Min. Farrakhan and the Black Lives Matter movement.
But these threats will not stop the Justice or Else rally on Oct. 10. If anything, it is causing a reinvigorated spirit among those who believe the right of “free speech” and “peaceable assembly” are more important than ever.
“We stand on our track record. At the Million Man March there were no incidents. At the Million Family March, there were no incidents. … We have a track record of mobilizing large numbers of people with no incident. We look forward to a peaceful gathering on Saturday,” said march organizer Benjamin Chavis Muhammad.
It seems like in today’s climate, any planned, peaceful gathering of Blacks in large numbers to address a societal issue is being treated as a possible threat. Today, the Black voice has become stronger in its cry for justice and the growing noise is making some people nervous.
