Anarchist scare: feds probe arson attacks

The FBI-NYPD Joint Terrorist Task Force is investigating twin vandal attacks on Army recruiting centers in New York City–one in Manhattan’s Flatiron section, the other in the Parkchester district of the Bronx. David Seigel, 19, of Litchfield, CT, was arrested for throwing a burning rag at the Parkchester facility, causing minor damage, and news reports have said that he is an “anarchist.” In the Manhattan incident, a rock was thrown at the recruiting center, cracking the door, and graffiti left –including a slogan against the Iraq war an an anarchist symbol. (NY Post, Feb. 1)

Meanwhile in California, the Jackson Rancheria Band of Miwuk Indians has offered a $100,000 reward for information leading to arrests in a string of construction-site arsons at an apartment complex site on their reservation. The Earth Liberation Front (ELF) has reportedly claimed responsibility for at least one of the attacks. Again, there have been no casualties, but authorities are predictably calling it “eco-terrorism.” (Sacramento Bee, Feb. 9)

Um, just asking, but don’t you think calling in the Joint Terrorist Task Force to investigate minor acts of vandalism might be over-reacting just a tad?