A meeting and potluck for the upcoming LA Anarchist Book Fair was raided after police alleged someone attending had stole something from a nearby store. LAPD did not offer details on what store or what was stolen. An officer threatened that non-cooperation with their investigation could result in a visit to jail.

- Five to six people believed arrested, unclear on the charges.
- Police demanded entry to the space without warrant, claimed they did need one.
Two people arrested at the door while asking to see a warrant
- 30 to 50 people in space at time of the raid were taken outside searched and lined up.
- Police claimed raid and line up was needed to identify suspects in shoplifting incident in the nearby area.
- Three people pulled from the line up and taken away by police.
- One witness counted 24 officers took part in the raid with helicopter circling above. Said it seemed a rather large response for a shoplifting.
- Arrestees believed to still be in jail at this time.

At least thirty cops and a helicopter were involved in the raid. Everyone was ordered to leave the building, which was legally rented by organizers of the event. We exited with our hands on our heads and were made to stand facing a wall. We were then searched. At least six people were arrested for unknown charges.

This will only get more people to come to the fair.

http://anarchistbookfair.com/