Earlier today, Wild Idaho Rising Tide (WIRT) activist Helen Yost received an inquiry from the FBI.
Here is her report:
“A little before 10 am on Friday morning, December 19, WIRT/Helen received a missed, incoming phone call from a Coeur d’Alene cell phone, followed by this text message: ‘Helen, I am trying to get a hold of you to speak with you. An issue has come up, and I need to speak with you. Please give me a call. I am an FBI agent…’
“Our response: ‘NO!’
“Agent: ‘OK, I understand, just wanted to have a conversation with you. Thanks.’
“Despite WIRT awareness of likely surveillance of us since September 2011, this encounter represents the second instance of direct contact.
“As described in this photo text and discussion, the FBI came to the door of a distant, core WIRT activist on October 9, wanting to ask questions, possibly about another group’s activities.
“Our great comrade correctly declined giving answers, which resulted in the agents leaving.
“You have the right to NEVER talk to the police (who can legally lie), NEVER consent to a search of your person or home, and ALWAYS insist on having a lawyer present.
“RECORD all police interactions via audio or video devices, and WARN friends and family to resist this corporate/government intimidation.”
Last year, the FBI visited numerous Rising Tide activists in Portland and Seattle. This is the latest in their extended campaign to silence dissent.
The White House has declared that the export of fracked natural gas through the Pacific Northwest is a top national security concern, like gas imports to Europe through Ukraine. Rising Tide opposes all fossil fuel shipments through the Pacific Northwest, and WIRT is actively involved in campaigns against fracking and infrastructure in Idaho.
Check out the Civil Liberties Defense Center for more on how to shut down the FBI.