The FBI has issued an alert to law enforcement about a possible “Halloween Revolt” by a dangerous anarchist group, an official has confirmed to CBS News.
Federal officials issued a bulletin to local police departments about the potential for attacks against their officers, CBS News has learned.
As first reported by the New York Post, a group known as the National Liberation Militia may be planning to dress in costume, cause a disturbance, and then ambush police who come to help. The Post reports the group has recommended members wear typical holiday masks and bring weapons like bricks and firearms.
NYPD officials told the Post there is no specific threat to New York City, and they are monitoring the situation.
In a statement, the FBI said Tuesday: “As part of the continuous dialogue with our law enforcement partners, the FBI routinely shares information about potential threats to better enable law enforcement to protect the communities they serve. We urge the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to law enforcement.”
Anarchists infamously were blamed for being the main instigators in the 1999 “Battle of Seattle” during a World Trade Organization meeting.
In an interview with Scott Pelley for “60 Minutes,” one of the anarchists associated with that incident said: “We want to pose a credible threat to the biggest, most powerful people in the world.”
