Protests at the 2008 Republican National Convention included sit-ins Matt Rourke/AP file photo
FBI fears RNC disturbance by anarchists with acid eggs
Protesters may disturb the Tampa convention using a variety of methods, according to FBI intelligence.
The FBI is worried about anarchist protesters disrupting Tampa during the Republican National Convention, which may be a valid concern if St. Paul in 2008 is any guide, but the warnings sound borderline ridiculous.
Fox News, for one, cited an FBI document that warned of "acid-filled eggs." There was no explanation of what that meant, but fortunately Daily Intel's Dan Amira compiled a quick history of the tactic, which dates all the way back to strikers in 1905 and entails pretty much what it sounds like: An eggshell injected with sulphuric acid too weak to dissolve the shell, but strong enough to damage skin.
CNN, which also got a copy of the FBI report, didn't mention the acid-filled eggs, but reported that "the bulletin ... says that anarchists could try to use improvised explosive devices." Worst of all, per CNN's Carol Cratty:
It also says that, as of March, the FBI had intelligence indicating individuals from New York "planned to travel to Tampa and attempt to close" all of the Tampa Bay-area bridges during the Republican National Convention next week.
Read more at The Atlantic Wire.