DHS Tells Police That Common Protest Activities Are ‘Violent Tactics’
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Summary
US security police are preparing to label a range of legitimate protest tactics, including the use of bicycles and cameras, as violent threats, according to reports.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has told local police that demonstrators on bicycles or skateboards could be scouting for weapons during protests, while the use of cameras and livestreaming could be framed as threatening behaviour.
This marks a departure from late 20th-century approaches that prioritised de-escalation, communication, and facilitation, towards surveillance and disruption of protests, monitoring organisers, restricting public space, and responding proactively to perceived risks.
Experts warn that the new approach risks undermining the US constitution, with senior staff attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union Vera Eidelman stating that “exercising those rights shouldn’t be justification for adverse action or suspicion by the government”.
