[Peace-discuss] deadly force for protestors- what country is this?
Dlind49 at aol.com
Dlind49 at aol.com
Mon Mar 17 07:10:59 CST 2003
Air Force Base OKs 'Deadly Force' Action
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Filed at 8:38 p.m. ET
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AP) -- Security forces at Vandenberg Air
Force Base are allowed to use ``deadly force'' in some cases if any anti-war
demonstrators infiltrate the military complex, officials said.
Some anti-war activists have announced plans to trespass in hopes of
disturbing Vandenberg's mission and to vandalize sensitive equipment they
believe helps the war effort.
Vandenberg officials revealed Friday that military security police have
always been allowed to shoot to kill, if necessary, to protect base residents
and equipment.
It is more critical now that people understand the severity of that policy, a
base spokeswoman said.
``This is not fun and games anymore,'' said Maj. Stacee Bako. ``We're living
in post 9-11. We don't know what's going to happen with the war effort in
Iraq.''
Military police will use their judgment, experience and training to determine
if lethal force is necessary, she said.
``It's impossible for us to determine what their intent is,'' she said. ``Are
they protesters? Are there terrorists in that group and (do) they plan on
killing everyone on base?''
The policy will not deter protesters, said Peter Lumsdaine of the Vandenberg
Action Coalition, one of the organizers of the planned trespassing.
``I think it does underline that people in the nonviolent resistance movement
are willing to take some risks,'' Lumsdaine said.
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