The RNC 8, from left, Rob Czernik, 24; Erik Oseland, 21; Monica Bicking, 23; Eryn Trimmer, 23; Luce Guillen-Givins,24; Garrett Fitzgerald, 25; Nathanael Secor, 26, and Max Specktor, 19. (Photo: Handout)
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All were members of the approximately 50-strong, ironically-named "RNC Welcoming Committee", a self-described "anti-authoritarian/anarchist" organizing body. Several members were preemptively arrested in August 2008 prior to the Republican National Convention, with others arrested during the Convention.
Initially charged by Ramsay County Attorney Susan Gaertner with "Conspiracy to Riot in the Second Degree in Furtherance of Terrorism" under the Minnesota PATRIOT Act, three more charges were added in mid December 2008:
- Conspiracy to Riot in the Second Degree
- Conspiracy to Commit Criminal Damage to Property in the First Degree
- Conspiracy to Commit Criminal Damage to Property in Furtherance of Terrorism
It was estimated that the eight collectively faced over 100 years in jail under the four charges.
On April 8th, 2009, Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner announced that the two terrorism enhancement charges would be dropped, leaving the eight to face two felony charges:
- Conspiracy to Riot in the Second Degree
- Conspiracy to Commit Criminal Damage to Property in the First Degree
It was initially expected that the trial will commence no sooner than Fall 2009. At the start of 2010, new trial date estimates were hovering around May/June 2010.
At the February 2nd, 2010 hearing to hear defense motions pertaining to the trial, the official trial date was finally announced to be October 25th, 2010.
At the hearing, the Twin Cities Daily Planet reported dates for the motions to be heard:
Following an hour-long closed door discussion with counsel, [Ramsey County Judge Teresa R.] Warner decided that the majority of the motions would be postponed. She set aside six days (May 3-6, and May 13-14) when witnesses could be called to testify on the motions.
Related Links
PROFILES OF THE RNC 8
- Eight RNC protesters accused of 'furthering terrorism' thanks to statute: Officials say the RNC 8 plotted to sabotage Xcel, kidnap delegates, Matt Snyders, City Pages (November 11th, 2008)
- Feeding people, activism and arrests connect RNC 8's Nathanael Secor and Robert Czernik, Roxanne Bergeron, Twin Cities Daily Planet (November 16th, 2008)
- Bios of the RNC 8 (on the Friends of the RNC 8 website)
COURT DOCUMENTS & NEWS
- Criminal Complaint, Detention Order, and Charges against the "RNC 8" (September 3rd, 2008)
- Amended Criminal Complaint against the "RNC 8" (April 9th, 2009)
- ‘Terrorism’ counts against 8 RNC defendants to be dismissed; other conspiracy charges remain, Ramsey County Attorney (April 8th, 2009)
- RNC 8 to Argue First Amendment Motions During February 2nd Hearing, Press Release, RNC 8 (February 1st, 2010) - includes motions filed by the defense attorneys
- RNC 8 hearing packs courtroom, David Kaplan, Twin Cities Daily Planet (February 2nd, 2010)
RELATED STATUTES
- Minnesota Statute 609.71 Subdivision 2 - Riot in the Second Degree
- Minnesota Statute 609.714 - Crimes committed in furtherance of terrorism
- Minnesota Statute 609.595 - Damage to Property in the First Degree
KEY NEWS