Previously, McGovern was placed on the State Department's Diplomatic Security "Be On the Look Out" (BOLO) list. He turned his back on Hillary Clinton at an event at George Washington University in 2011.
"University cops grabbed McGovern in a headlock and by his arms and dragged him out of the auditorium by force, their actions directed from the side by a man whose name is redacted from public records," according to Peter Van Buren. "Photos of the then-71 year old McGovern taken at the time of his arrest show the multiple bruises and contusions he suffered while being arrested. He was secured to a metal chair with two sets of handcuffs. McGovern was at first refused medical care for the bleeding caused by the handcuffs."
The disorderly conduct charges he faced were eventually dropped, as it was found he committed no crime. McGovern obtained documents through the Freedom of Information Act that showed he had been investigated by the State Department, which was interested in his "political beliefs, activities, statements and associations." He sued the State Department for violating his First Amendment rights and won an injunction against the State Department in September to halt the "Be On the Look Out" alerts for McGovern.
How security or the NYPD knew McGovern and the other activists by name and that they would be at the event is unknown at the moment. Whether an alert system like the alerts used by the State Department was involved to tip off security to their presence is also unknown as well.
What matters is individuals bought $45 tickets to an event and were effectively denied entry to protect Petraeus and Nagl from having to face possible questions that might challenge their military backgrounds and defense or involvement in war crimes previously committed by US military forces.
Activist and former CIA analyst Ray McGovern reportedly arrested at Petraeus event tonight in NYC, per @worldcantwait
Update -- 12:00 pm EST
McGovern has been released. He appears to have a black eye in the photo of him leaving 100 Centre Street police station. However, on Monday, he fell and hurt his shoulder. That's from the fall. His injury is why he was screaming when police were aggressively handling him as he was dragged to the police car.
Just released #NYC @raymcgovern Injuries aggravated by rough arrest bec he planned to question Gen #Petraeus Thurs pm
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