Related: “Read between the Lines”

Web chatter vows GOP convention protests

Some groups have given a glimpse of plans for the GOP convention in St. Paul. But authorities are circumspect about their veracity.

By Howie Padilla and Myron P. Medcalf, Star Tribune

Last update: June 25, 2007 – 10:56 PM

Anarchists and antiwar organizations preparing for the Republican National Convention are planning dozens of traffic blockades, are targeting perceived vulnerable spots in the Twin Cities metro area and are readying to spring from Internet promises to real-world action.

An online posting by a group called Unconventional Action notes “the narrow on and off ramps” of Interstate Hwy. 94 and that Minneapolis and St. Paul are “12 miles apart, separated by a wide river spanned by 5 bridges and connected primarily” by I-94.

“For these and other reasons, many believe that the RNC presents strategic vulnerabilities unique to any trade summit or party convention of recent years,” the posting said.

It also urges anarchists from across the country to gather in Minneapolis over Labor Day weekend this year to learn about the Twin Cities and prepare for protests at the 2008 convention.

The agenda for that weekend meeting — dubbed the pReNC — calls for workshops, a discussion on how not to get arrested and “Strategizing Sessions.” It is sponsored by the so-called RNC Welcoming Committee in Minneapolis, a protest group.

While law enforcement officials are watching such online postings, the leader of the Minnesota American Civil Liberties Union questioned whether groups discussing plans online are really the ones to worry about.

Chuck Samuelson, executive director of the Minnesota American Civil Liberties Union, estimated that no more than 750 active antiwar protesters live in the Twin Cities area. He questioned whether groups such as the RNC Welcoming Committee have momentum or whether they’re just a few locals trying to alarm police.

“I don’t know how real it is,” Samuelson said of the Internet posts. “Frankly, the ones to worry about are the ones that aren’t saying anything.”

It’s the protesters who make sudden moves during conventions who are worthy of concern, he said.

The Welcoming Committee doesn’t allow media into its meetings. Organizers of pReNC are also calling for a Labor Day intelligence gathering march through St. Paul.

“NO CHANTS ALLOWED,” the instructions read. “March through St. Paul and gather information, take measurements, check drain covers, etc.”

Secret Service spokesman Darrin Blackford said that similar Internet communications showed up during preparations for past national events, so their appearance more than a year before the Republican Convention doesn’t surprise him.

“Anything perceived to be a threat will be investigated thoroughly,” Blackford said.

Dave Titus, president of the St. Paul police union, said that such examples of Internet chatter are proof of what he and Minneapolis police union president John Delmonico have been trying to drive home.

While law enforcers have to dedicate resources to peaceful protests, the other protests that don’t involve permits will demand more, Titus said. “I just hope we have all the resources we need.”

St. Paul police spokesman Tom Walsh declined to comment on the postings, but said that authorities are not relying solely on them for security plans.

The Minnesota ACLU estimates that 100,000 protesters will visit the Twin Cities during the convention next year. But most of the protesters will be affiliated with national groups, Samuelson said.

Matt Burns, spokesman for the Republican National Convention’s Committee on Arrangements, which is planning the convention, said he expects a safe event. Burns also worked on transportation plans for delegates during the 2004 GOP convention in New York City, where dedicated traffic lanes were created for the 200-plus buses that transported them.

He said it’s too early to discuss a transportation plan for the 2008 convention.

“We have every confidence in federal and local law enforcement that we’ll have a safe and successful convention,” he said.

hpadilla@startribune.com mmedcalf@startribune.com