re: Zurik: Security firm’s pay for NOLA monument removal raises questions

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"With temperatures soaring and humidity high in New Orleans, members of Take Em Down NOLA (TEDN) Coalition and other civil rights group activists stood firm on the steps of City Hall, in the glaring sun, and blasted New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu for wasting taxpayers’ money in hiring a private security firm to take down “white supremacy monuments,” for being labelled a “subversive group,” and for TEDN computers and social media outlets being hacked.

TEDN also said members were spied on and characterized unwanted surveillance as “trickled down,” federal CointelPro activity."

"Suber said at least two members’ computers were hacked, including his, “which no longer functions.” The group’s Facebook and Twitter accounts were hacked and members were subjected to threats of violence and intimidation by pro-Confederacy supporters.

“We want an explanation from the Mayor of why he spent taxpayers’ dollars, when he could have gotten other city departments to remove the monuments,” Suber added.

In a June 14, FOIA request to Mayor Landrieu, TEDN requested “copies of all letters, emails, memos, texts, bills, and any types of communications with or about Trident Response Group by all employees of the City of New Orleans.” “We are questioning why the Mayor paid $750,000 to Trident and what services were agreed to and rendered.”

If the Mayor doesn’t turn over the documents, TEDN will file a lawsuit against Landrieu and the City."