Two Black Panthers have been blocking the entrance to a precinct with a night stick in an attempt to stop people from voting, witnesses tell Fox News. The one Black Panther is actually still there, but police were dispatched to the scene.
Motive? Witnesses say that the men were telling them that the era of white supremacy is over and that a black man would be president. If I get any more information I’ll update.
Update: I’m hearing that the one Panther is also a poll watcher.
Update: Alright. Thanks to reader “D” and The Corner, here’s video of the Fox News report:
I’ll update as more information becomes available.
Update: Via Michelle Malkin, the New Black Panther Party had promised to send out members to ensure its interests.
Minister Najee Muhammad, national field marshal for the New Black Panther Party, and Uhuru Shakur, local chairman of the Atlanta chapter of the party, took turns reading statements from Dr. Malik Shabazz, leader of Black Lawyers for Justice and attorney for the party (yes, that Malik Shabazz)…
…”We will not allow some racists and other angry whites, who are upset over an impending Barack Obama presidential victory, to intimidate blacks at the polls,” Muhammad said. “Most certainly, we cannot allow these racist forces to slaughter our babies or commit other acts of violence against the black population, nor our black president.”
Muhammad added, “We must organize to counter and neutralize these threats using all means at our disposal. This is a great time for our people, and we must ensure that peace prevails for our people.”
Shakur said the New Black Panther Party does not hate white people, but it does not like racist white people who try to harm the black community…
…Shakur added, “We warn you, leave Barack Obama alone and leave our babies alone because black people are a spiritual people and a people who are trying to do right, and we will not hesitate to take up our legal rights of self-defense.”
Shakur said the New Black Panther Party believes the plot that was foiled in Crockett County was not an isolated incident and that the party will do what it can to protect members of the black community on Election Day.
“We will be at the polls in the cities and counties in many states to ensure that the enemy does not sabotage the black vote, which was won through the blood of the martyrs of our people,” he said.
As members of the New Black Panther Party said “Black Power,” Andrew Chirwa, an Alamo resident and native of Malawi in Southern Africa, urged everyone at the press conference to shout “Black Power” together.
More info as I get it.
Update: Is this the actual video of the Panthers wielding a billy club/night stick? The guy on the right-hand side appears to be the same guy appearing in the Fox News report.
4. November 2008 at 1:23 pm
I had a reader report that the situation has been diffused, no one was arrested: http://www.acouplethings.com/blog/2008/11/fnc-reporting-black-panthers-intimidating-voters-in-philadelphia/
4. November 2008 at 1:40 pm
This is unbelievable. I am an Obama supporter but this is the last straw. “Black panthers intimidating voters. This is an eye opener even for me. Don’t let these people intimidate you, they will not hurt you. Just go and vote even if you have to tell them your for Obama. Your right to vote should never be intimidated. These Thugs are totally discusting. Again do not let them scare you, they will not hurt you….get out and vote. If this is any pre-cursor to an Obama administration I need to rethink my vote. This is not the change I want.
4. November 2008 at 1:41 pm
That is scary but not surprising. Without intimidation, what do the Democrats have?
See also: “Employee Free Choice Act”
4. November 2008 at 1:41 pm
“And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.” Danial 8:23
“And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.” Daniel 8:24
If Obama becomes President it will be because of intimidation in ways such as this, deception that Obama is full in the stench of, and by a false messianic delusion that millions are caught up in.
God have mercy on America and especially for cowards who claim to be Christian that failed to use their God given wealth to support the liberty of the Constitutional freedom to stand up for the Word of God.
We brought this upon ourselves and I as a Christian beg the forgiveness of God Almighty for being a part of this great fall of a Country that He formed through God fearing men.
4. November 2008 at 1:44 pm
Oh that is the answer. Physically intimidate voters to vote black. Not for the better man but just black. Way to go you idiots.
4. November 2008 at 1:51 pm
Here’s the video of the report:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCeD1RcJjAg
4. November 2008 at 1:54 pm
I was an Obama supporter until the past few weeks. I cannot fathom this is America, this is the freest country on earth, this is what they turn to so we feel forced for vote for Obama. I am a PROUD black, but this is not what I’m about.
4. November 2008 at 1:54 pm
Yeah, I prefer to see real information on it. Not a right TOTALLY right leaning source. I love the idiots that are voting for MCPalin – dumb and dumber. Four more years of McSame NO THANK YOU!! Go Obama!
4. November 2008 at 1:57 pm
“Yeah, I prefer to see real information on it. Not a right TOTALLY right leaning source.”
Except that you’ll find video of a Black Panther in the Fox News report and police were dispatched to the scene.
4. November 2008 at 2:20 pm
American’s need to stop searching for a Man no matter what party to solve your problems. That is what’s great about our country and the way it was constructed in the beginning. If only American’s would read the constitution and Bill of Rights. These provisions were to protect the citizens from its government and limit what government can do to you. When you allow those on either side to change those instruments that help protect us and govern this nation, by the people and for the people…. then you have set yourself up to give your freedom away all in the name of safety, security, and hand outs. Remember, prisoners have security, food, clothing and shelter…. but no Freedom. Be careful when you cry out for a King, you just might get one!
4. November 2008 at 2:27 pm
Harbinger of things to come. Get used to it.
4. November 2008 at 2:51 pm
What the hell are you guys talking about? This was two people who were out of line. Condemn them all you want. Barack Obama is not stealing anything. After 140 years of blacks being systematically disenfranchised are we really this up in arms about two assholes.
4. November 2008 at 2:54 pm
WHERE IS THE VIDEO??!! YOU PEOPLE ARE SO SAD. JUST ANOTHER PATHETIC ATTEMPT TO SWAY VOTERS TO VOTE FOR MCCAIN. PLEASE KNOCK IT OFF. CHANGE IS COMING. THANK GOD.
4. November 2008 at 2:54 pm
There are white people who are very angry about Obama.
The Black Panthers are nothing like the KKK. They don’t go around burning crosses, lynching, and dragging people from cars. Regardless of what some people want to believe, there really is no comparison at all.
This guy being interviewed is spinning what actually is happening. If white voters were intimidated by them, it’s only because of who they are, their presence, and not because of anything they have done. The statement by Malik Shabazz makes it clear that they are concerned first and foremost about angry racist whites who might try to interfere with voting. I am too.
I fear the reactionary and white nationalist types may want to take out their frustration on blacks and black voters and might try to plan terror attacks against them. If the police aren’t going to monitor polling places to ensure the safety of black voters, then it’s probably a good thing that the Black Panthers are there.
4. November 2008 at 2:57 pm
“WHERE IS THE VIDEO??!!”
If you’d read the freakin post, you’d see it. But don’t let that stop your all-caps rant and repeating of left-wing talking points.
4. November 2008 at 3:04 pm
“They don’t go around burning crosses, lynching, and dragging people from cars.”
Try actually reading about them. It’s a militant organization.
“There are white people who are very angry about Obama. ”
They don’t take it out by blocking black people from voting.
“If white voters were intimidated by them, it’s only because of who they are, their presence, and not because of anything they have done.”
He’s holding a nightstick in he palm at the entrance to the polling place with a Black Panther patch on.
“The statement by Malik Shabazz makes it clear that they are concerned first and foremost about angry racist whites who might try to interfere with voting. I am too.”
Yeah, and Osama Bin Laden says he’s doing what he does to protect Muslims and Islam. While he kills them.
“If the police aren’t going to monitor polling places to ensure the safety of black voters, then it’s probably a good thing that the Black Panthers are there.”
You must be joking. Do those multi hour-long lines of black voters at precincts not guarded by thugs look concerned for their safety?
Let me guess: You’re not over the age of 30 and support Obama.
4. November 2008 at 3:04 pm
why should anyone be surprised, the “racist” black community thinks that us “whities” are finally going to get what we deserve. It doesn’t matter that none of us were around in the 1800’s, it doesn’t matter that the majority of my generation have never discriminated against a black person, somehow we are going to get what we deserve. It’s funny though, us “whities” don’t have members of the KKK standing outside polling places, but we are the racist, we are the problem, we are the ones who won’t let racism die???? really?????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
4. November 2008 at 3:09 pm
Sad but true! Welcome to the future under “President Obama’s” so-called leadership!
4. November 2008 at 3:14 pm
Rachel your hate is evident in your post. I am a WHITE female over the age of 40 and if you think there is no more racism in America from whities (as you put it) then you are either ignorant or in denial…..you pick. You are forgetting conveinently that Barack is 1/2 white and was raised by his WHITE mother and WHITE grandparents.
4. November 2008 at 3:15 pm
Any information on where this precinct is? That’s a key issue here. If this is a predominantly black area then why would they be there to intimidate white voters? Is it not possible that they’re making sure black voters aren’t intimidated? Seems valid to me, but I’d wait to find out more details before jumping the gun. Either way he could stand there without the nightstick. That’s for sure.
4. November 2008 at 3:23 pm
Even though obama seems to be the better man for the job, this just goes to show just how stupit black america will become if obama becomes president.
4. November 2008 at 3:59 pm
Rachel you are living in a fantasy world. I am a black male and idiots like you make me sick to my stomach. Most blacks I know are not racist. WE HATE RACIST WHITE PEOPLE AND WE LOVE COOL WHITE PEOPLE. THE END. I voted for the dumbass that is currently in office twice. I thought that he really gave a dam. I used to listen to the Republican Rhetoric i.e. we do not believe in gay marriage, we do not believe in abortion bla bla bla. T
4. November 2008 at 4:07 pm
Rachel you are living in a fantasy world. I am a black male and idiots like you make me sick to my stomach. Most blacks I know are not racist. WE HATE RACIST WHITE PEOPLE AND WE LOVE COOL WHITE PEOPLE. THE END. I voted for the dumbass that is currently in office twice. I thought that he really gave a dam. I used to listen to the Republican Rhetoric i.e. we do not believe in gay marriage, we do not believe in abortion bla bla bla. THE BOTTOM LINE IS SINCE 1981 THE REPUBLICANS HAVE HAD 20 YEARS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THESE ISSUES AND THEY HAVE NOT. They lie through their teeth to get what they want. We still have abortion gays are still getting married and I still pay a ridiculous amount of taxes. I do not understand why people who make less than 250,000 are supporting these idiots.
Correct me if I am wrong, did not WE THE PEOPLE make these corporatoins what they are? The rich in this country acquired their wealth from WE THE PEOPLE. If WE THE PEOPLE get a tax cut, or pay no taxes at all, won’t the small businesses/corporations benefit from the consumer actually being able to afford to buy products/services?
IT IS AND ALWAYS WILL BE THE RICH VS THE POOR WITH NO MIDDLE. BTW- There are plenty of KKK members at the rallies and they are voting, they just are not bold enough to come out with their hoods on.
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4. November 2008 at 4:09 pm
The sad thing is that no matter who wins, America may become be more racially divided than it was back in the 60’s. I feel for society as a whole if this happens. We are all God’s children… no matter what color!
4. November 2008 at 4:26 pm
Some of you fools make it sound like Obama hired these two. Give me a break. For those of you who don’t know (sounds like most) the Black Panthers were originally formed to protect their rights in the Bay area. Police brutality was getting out of hand and no one else was standing up for them. White men could drive around with their rifles on their trucks but if a black man did it he was stopped, questioned and sometimes arrested or beaten. No, the Black Panthers weren’t started to be anything like the KKK. Yes, some Black Panthers have done bad things. So you’re saying that since Obama is HALF black (because the other half is just as white as some of the people criticizing him, check the grandmother that just passed away) he must have hired the Black Panthers because all black people know each other? WTF indeed.
4. November 2008 at 4:37 pm
Look, the man asked a question, “Why are you taking pictures”, I didn’t hear any threats what-so-ever. Now don’t get me wrong…I can see where someone would feel intimidated or fearful to cross, even as a black man, but passing this off as an Obama Campaign tactic is a meaningless smoke-screen. For those of you who said that this one little small event has changed your mind not to vote Obama, then let me help you out, “You were never voting for him in the beginning”. If you believe in Obama’s policies/campaign, then ignorant actions of others should not sway your vote. Grow up people!
It’s funny how FOX news reports this, but never reported the two young white boys plotting to kill black people and doing a drive-by on Obama. That led to an arrest…these two men were not arrested and the situation is now under control.
4. November 2008 at 4:42 pm
what kinda bullshit is this, somebody should take the nightstick and beat that piece of shit over the head. dosnt matter who you vote for because once the winner is in office all of his proposed policies are going to vanish like a fart in the wind. We’ve been a country for how long and nobody realizes that politicians are all full of shit. Atleast Mcain has a military record. At least he fought for his country. Your best bet when going to vote is to pull a random lever or check a random box. Dosnt really matter who wins, the country is just gonna end up buried deeper in shithole.
4. November 2008 at 4:42 pm
WHAT’S THE BIG FUSS, THESE IDIOTS ARE NOT OBAMA SUPPORTERS, CALL THE POLICE, GET THEM REMOVED AND MOVE ON. IF THIS WERE SOME WHITE THUGS DOING THE SAME THING, CALL THE POLICE. THIS IS NOT NEW WORTHY.
4. November 2008 at 4:58 pm
“It’s funny how FOX news reports this, but never reported the two young white boys plotting to kill black people and doing a drive-by on Obama”
Fox was one of the networks to break the story.
4. November 2008 at 5:03 pm
Here it is all of you… the country is in the worst shape it has ever been in. It is only going to get worse before it gets better no matter who wins this election. Neither of these candidates is going to take office and fix EVERYTHING!!!! So instead of sitting around arguing, we should be paying attention to what is going to happen. Blame, hate and stupidity equal a country divided and this is the worst time to be divided. We might as well just leave a welcome matt out for all terrorists because the “white” people and the “black” people will all be to busy arguing with each other about who is a racist!! Grow UP!!!
4. November 2008 at 5:14 pm
Here’s your change. You asked for it and now you are getting it folks.
4. November 2008 at 5:57 pm
I totally respect Obama…..I am enthralled with his “personal story”. Its almost a given that he’ll become our Commander and Chief. However I voted for McCain. Why? Because it REALLY does concern me a deal to have realized that MOST (if not all “our enemies” WANT Obama as The US President……I have to aske myself WHY??? Do they think with his LITTLE foriegn policy experience that he will be a pushover and that his strong desire to “Get along with the world” will be his downfall because he’ll be too trusting? One COULD say this is just what we need…someone willing to “TALK” But seriously, “without condition” ???? Its NOT his fault that they’d like him to be President……..I honestly dont blame him……hes incredibly intelligent and charming and he is as far away from “BUSH” as one could get…… I really LIKE Obama…….. but I just honestly HOPE he knows what hes doing when dealing with TERRORISTS”. It can be tricky even for the MOST experienced because THEY are manipulative and DISHONEST.
As far as economics……..crap, this is such a MESS, I dont think EITHER candidate can really “fix it” and I am just being HONEST here……its a bigger than any man…white, black, yelllow, brown or PURPLE.
4. November 2008 at 6:07 pm
oops meant to add to my post……… IF Obama “proves” himself to me during the next 4 years (and I wont be looking for miracles) at least enough to keep us SAFE, he’ll DEFINETLY get my vote in 2012. I am an Independant and have voted for candidates in BOTH parties during my more than 30 years of voting. But you see, Obama has to prove himself first. I have watched McCain for YEARS. I KNOW he will be GUARDED with “our enemies” which IS what I want in my President.
4. November 2008 at 6:29 pm
I think it is funny and just goes to show how great Change is gonna be for our country next thing you know Airfirce One will have… Well nevermind that. This is only the tip of the iceberg it is going to get worse. And the dormant racist cell in all white people will be coming out very soon. I can appreciate what Obama is trying to do but his PEOPLE can’t. This is Whitey paying for the 60’s. Keep it up the more these things happen the more it will draw white people together.
4. November 2008 at 6:54 pm
Amerpundit, Fox news was not the one who broke the news first on the two white young guys plotting to kill black people…it was CNN. Fox covered it, but as a caption. Get your facts together before reporting lies.
4. November 2008 at 7:29 pm
Texas voter…it’s people with your type of mentality that give the US a bad name. Why don’t you extract yourself from that pompous ethnocentric view that “US is the best and if you don’t do things OUR way then it’s no way at all” type of mentality. Don’t you realize that the strategy of trying to engage in a discourse with anyone while listing terms of preconditions is not working? Bush tried it and look where it has gotten us? The ironic thing is that 8 years after he was elected into office and approximately five years after we first declared war Bush is JUST NOW starting to realize that his methods did not work and is now sending one of his top agents to engage in non conditional discourse in attempt to improve or at least repair the seemingly irreparable diplomatic relations we have with other countries. And knowing this, you want to vote for an individual who shares the same views as Bush did and run the risk of of engaging in preemptive strikes if “the rest of the world doesn’t share our policy”???
4. November 2008 at 7:33 pm
This is unbelievable! WHY do all the people, black & white, (that do believe) that President Bush & the Republicans are responsible for the mess our country is in & for the mistakes that have been made in the last 8 years? The following is from a friend of mine, Lori: “The President has been blamed for everything. Never has a president been through so much; 911, Iraq war, devastating hurricanes and tornadoes, economy/recession, and I can’t think of all the rest. The Democrats have taken over Congress & the House, and Bush has been silenced. It isn’t Bush, its the Congress & the House who have won the votes on everything.”
He did believe the war was the right thing to do, but he couldn’t get us in a war all by himself; Congress & the House voted. And please remember, our men and women aren’t being DRAFTED, they have a choice. No one has been MADE to join. Sacrifice of literally millions of veterans have helped make this country a free nation and helped liberate other nations from brutal dictators such as Adolf Hitler. And another thing, why are some Democrats seeking to punish the Republicans for sins of a different generation? Slavery? We weren’t even here. We didn’t have anything to do with it, and most of us love our fellow Americans, no matter their color of skin. Democrats & Republicans can agree to disagree agreeably. My 3 very best friends are Democrats & I’m a Republican. Two of those friends I spoke with yesterday reminded me to be sure & vote today. We don’t TALK politics; we love each other enough to know we disagree in that area, and we love the fact that we live in this FREE country. We hope it stays that way!
I believe, all that can, should work and support themselves. I believe the immigrants that are coming into our country should be legal, just as our forefathers were. I believe we should keep our English language the main language, as our forefathers did. My mother is white & my father was Native American and I know attrosities were commited against my people; but why stay in bondage? I can’t do anything about the past, but I can sure do something about today and my attitude and actions!
Thank you for listening, Judy
4. November 2008 at 7:51 pm
>>>And the dormant racist cell in all white people will be coming out very soon. I can appreciate what Obama is trying to do but his PEOPLE can’t…<<<
What a wonderful way to make sweeping generalizations based on the actions of two individuals. You go on further to say “the more these things happen the more it will draw white people together.” So not only do you make a inaccurate and frankly pitiful generalization based on the actions of a few, you go on to suggest some kind of solidarity amongst whites will result “the more these things happen”. It doesn’t stop there. Such scintillating and scholarly statements as “the dormant racist cell in white people will be coming out soon”…could definitely put Hallmark out of business.
5. November 2008 at 10:22 pm
Rachel,
You said it ALL. This is what we are all feeling!
Good for you to finally say it!!
7. November 2008 at 6:09 am
Scant and easily intimidated news media video clip coverage of unauthorized guards standing successfully and strongly erect, one with a palmed billy club in his hands, in front of an entrance to a free voting sight in Ben Franklin’s Philadelphia.
Is this change in behavior at a polling site what it seems to be or is it something else? Is it possible that investigative journalism and the ACLU could be exercised at all? If not, then why not? Where are we going with this kind of ignored behavior? Should this behavior even concern the public or is it no one’s business and we should all be ashamed of ourselves and shuffle off quietly so as to retain some fleeting social dignity or to retain some secretly protected illusion of an inner fragile courage? Is there a need to understand, to find the truth, and to continue to advance the quest to guard all our freedoms through efforts at exercising the rule of law equally and justly? Or for this particular instance, with these ruffians out on our streets, ignoring their behavior would be wise and prudent, if I were you? Or hopefully these were just guardian angels or some knights of bold, who out of simple ignorance or some noble innocence, had armed themselves with a weapon as they eyes you down, while like a dog on tight leash you must acknowledge to these masters’ pecking order or else the jerk, before entering that free voting site, or else? So that would be OK? Right?
Questions that beg for the light of day through public discovery and a public hearing? You think.
7. November 2008 at 6:13 am
Scant and easily intimidated news media video clip coverage of wonderful guards standing successfully and strongly erect, one with a palmed billy club in his hands, in front of an entrance to a free voting sight in Ben Franklin’s Philadelphia.
Is this change in behavior at a polling site what it seems to be or is it something else? Is it possible that investigative journalism and the ACLU could be exercised at all? If not, then why not? Where are we going with this kind of ignored behavior? Should this behavior even concern the public or is it no one’s business and we should all be ashamed of ourselves and shuffle off quietly so as to retain some fleeting social dignity or to retain some secretly protected illusion of an inner fragile courage? Is there a need to understand, to find the truth, and to continue to advance the quest to guard all our freedoms through efforts at exercising the rule of law equally and justly? Or for this particular instance, with these ruffians out on our streets, ignoring their behavior would be wise and prudent, if I were you? Or hopefully these were just guardian angels or some knights of bold, who out of simple ignorance or some noble innocence, had armed themselves with a weapon as they eyes you down, while like a dog on tight leash you must acknowledge to these masters’ pecking order or else the jerk, before entering that free voting site, or else? So that would be OK? Right?
Questions that beg for the light of day through public discovery and a public hearing? You think.