Informants & Snitches

Democracy Now Interviews Will Potter About Daniel McGowan and the Earth Liberation Front

I had the pleasure of returning to Democracy Now this morning to talk about my new book, and how environmental activists have been branded as “domestic terrorists.” We discussed the case of Daniel McGowan, a former Earth Liberation Front member, who is currently in a secretive prison called a Communications Management Unit. Also on the […]

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Human Rights Watch Film Festival Draws Attention to Two “Domestic Terrorism” Cases

In addition to their incredible work day in and day out, the folks at Human Rights Watch also run an international film festival. This year, they are featuring two important films that examine the government’s “domestic terrorism” priorities. “If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front” tells the story of Daniel McGowan, […]

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Lead ELF Informant Jake Ferguson Arrested on Drug Charges

The government’s roundup of environmental activists in “Operation Backfire” was only possible because the lead arsonist, Jacob Ferguson, had agreed to wear a wire, travel the country, and prod his friends into talking about the crimes with the Earth Liberation Front. The government has repeatedly called Ferguson a “hero.” U.S. Attorney Kirk Engdall has said […]

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Undercover Cop Who Spied on Greens Offers to Testify on Their Behalf (Video)

Undercover police officer Mark Kennedy spied on environmental groups for seven years, then offered to cooperate with activists against the police.

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FBI File Reveals Discussion of Discrediting Animal Rights Activists by Planting Rumors

An FBI file reveals conversations between the FBI and an informant about how to disrupt political activism. The topics discussed echo COINTELPRO-era tactics of the 1960s.

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How Corporate Provocateurs Made Fran Trutt an “Animal Rights Terrorist”

Corporate provocateurs turned Fran Trutt into an “animal rights terrorist.”

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How Law Enforcement Uses Informants and Snitches Against Activists

The government relies on fear to create informants and snitches, and build cases against political activists.

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The Government’s 7-Step Process for Convicting Environmentalists as Terrorists

Despite my deep-seated distaste for all things Baltimore (my apologies to folks in Bawlmor, but your town and I don’t seem to get along), I’ve been watching HBO’s The Wire on Netflix. The series—created by David Simon, a 13-year-veteran of the The Baltimore Sun—is structured so that each episode is a small piece in a […]

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Feds Hope to Set an Example With “Eco-terrorist” Who Refused to Snitch: Marie Mason Faces 20 Years

Before Marie Mason ever set foot in the courtroom, before the ink on her indictment had even dried, the government was smearing her as a “terrorist.” At a press conference announcing her arrest, an FBI agent said “domestic terrorism is a top priority of the FBI.” A police chief called the 1999 Earth Liberation Front […]

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Music Video by “Against Me!” About Eric McDavid and Anna the FBI Informant

This is Tom Gabel of Against Me! playing at the Nimbus Dam, the site Eric McDavid was allegedly plotting to blow up with Zachary Jenson and Lauren Weiner. An FBI informant named “Anna” provided the group with bomb-making recipes; at times financed their transportation, food and housing; strung along McDavid, who had the hopes of […]

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