Stand-off: Massachusetts State Police vs. armed suspects
We have several armed persons accounted for at this scene on Rt 95. They are refusing to comply with orders to provide their information and put down their weapons. We are asking residents of Wakefield and Reading to shelter in place at this time MSP reported early this morning.
Remaining suspects on highway have been taken into custody by MSP Special Tactical Operations Team. 7 additional suspects being transported for booking. We will now conduct sweeps of their 2 vehicles and woods. Total of 11 in custody counting the initial 2 arrests. Two suspects were initially arrested by members of @NEMLEC on North Ave, Wakefield. MSP has taken custody of and transported them to one of our barracks. The situation is ongoing w/remaining members of the group.
during the standoff, the Police kept their composure: We continue to engage the suspects in conversation in an effort to de-escalate the situation on 95 and bring it to a peaceful end.
The men dressed in military-style gear carried long guns and pistols, told police they were headed to Maine from Rhode Island for “training.,” Mass State Police Col. Christopher Mason said according to AP. The men refused to put down their weapons or comply with authorities’ orders, claiming to be from a group “that does not recognize our laws” before taking off into a wooded area, according to the police. .
The men claimed to be members of Rise of the Moors. A spokesman emphasized that they were not anti government. The website does not promote violence, but speaks of the importance of knowledge of Black and other ethnic ancestry.
“We are not antigovernment. We are not anti-police, we are not sovereign citizens, we’re not Black identity extremists. ….we are abiding by the peaceful laws of the United States, Federal Courts……We have not violated any laws……….. ” a spokesman in a video below live.
Last week the MSP lost one of their own who was gunned down as he tried to assist victims while off duty.