ATF Agents Detain Student Leaving 'Pirate vs. Ninja' Event: ATF Ninja-Hunt

[matcom]

<snip>

ATF agents are always on alert for anything suspicious — including ninjas.

Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearm agents, on campus Tuesday for Project Safe Neighborhoods training, detained a “suspicious individual” near the Georgia Center, University Police Chief Jimmy Williamson said.

Jeremiah Ransom, a sophomore from Macon, was leaving a Wesley Foundation pirate vs. ninja event when he was detained.

After being held in investigative detention, he was found to have violated no criminal laws and was not arrested.

“It was surreal,” Ransom said. “I was jogging from Wesley to Snelling when I heard someone yell ‘freeze.’”

Ransom said he thought a friend was playing a joke before he realized officers had guns drawn and pointed at him.

ATF agents had noticed Ransom’s suspicious behavior and clothing and gave chase, apprehending him, Williamson said.

http://www.redandblack.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2006/04/12/443c71ed40b94

[GOPisEvil]

1. Ninjas don't carry firearms. Why the ATF?

:shrug:

[Robb]

2. Er.. tobacco?

:D

[GOPisEvil]

3. Maybe this ninja was brewing bootleg sake.

:D

[CottonBear]

5. They were on the UGA campus for Project Safe Neighborhoods training.

The Georgia Center for Continuing Education is located close by Snelling Dining Hall. The GA Center has a hotel, restaurants, performance auditorium, classrooms and conference center rooms and facilities like ballrooms.

These ATF folks have obviously never been to UGA (or any major University) before. :(

Heck, Poppy Bush was here just last week to dedicate a new UGA building and there were no incidents, problems or arrests.

[CottonBear]

4. Holy crap! This happened in my city at my alma mater.

Damn ATF agents. I can't believe they knocked this poor student down and pinned him to the sidewalk. :(


edit: Add acomment fromt he Red & Black (the Student paper)website:

"It's a sad day when UGA police have to protect students from armed federal agents prowling our campus in search of victims. For the safety of all students, faculty and staff could Project Safe Neighborhoods please meet off-campus from now on?"

Elizabeth