Coast Guard concerned about possible protests and attacks at GOP convention in Tampa

Mon, 2012-07-16 12:04 PM By: Jacob Goodwin

Garrison Channel runs
past GOP convention
site in Tampa, FL
Concerned about the possibility of “widespread protests” in Tampa, FL, or the potential threat of a small vessel delivering a weapon of mass destruction, launching a stand-off attack weapon or delivering an armed assault force, the U.S. Coast Guard plans to establish seven temporary “security zones” in the waters surrounding the sites of the upcoming Republican National Convention.

The security zones in Garrison Channel, Hillsborough River and other waterways will prohibit the presence, or transit, by vessels of seven bodies of water in the vicinity of Tampa between August 25 and 31, says a temporary final rule published by the Coast Guard in the Federal Register on July 16.

“The security zones are necessary to protect convention delegates, official parties, dignitaries, the public, and surrounding waterways from terrorist acts, sabotage or other subversive acts, accidents, or other causes of a similar nature,” says the notice.

The Coast Guard has conducted threat, vulnerability and risk analyses and concluded that threats to the GOP convention could take either of two forms -- homeland security threats or “violent or disruptive public disorder,” the notice explains.

“This politically-oriented event has the potential to attract anarchists and other persons intent on expressing their opposition through violence and criminal activity,” it notes.

Because state and local law enforcement agencies are likely to have a strong presence on land in the vicinity of the convention sites, maritime approaches could become a viable alternative.

The notice points out that the Port of Tampa is “an industrial-based port, with significant storage and shipment of hazardous materials.”

The Coast Guard had considered establishing a “waterside demonstration area,” but because such an area was close to the convention venues, and offered the potential for protesters to interfere with law enforcement, the Coast Guard instead concluded that there will be ample “landside demonstration areas.”

The seven security zones will be functional for a total of 144 hours, says the Coast Guard’s notice. Further information about these zones is available from Marine Science Technician First Class Nolan Ammons at 813-228-2191 or D07-SMB-Tampa-WWM@uscg.mil.

Coast Guard concerned about possible protests and attacks at GOP convention in Tampa | Government Security News