Brandon Darby
Snitch Darby | |
---|---|
Nationality | American |
Known for | Social and political activism; FBI informant. |
Brandon Darby is known as a founder and former Director of Operations for Common Ground Relief from January to April 2007.[1]
Darby also acted as an informant for the Federal Bureau of Investigation which led to the arrest of two men (often referred to as the Texas 2)[2] on suspicions of specific plans to disrupt the Republican National Convention.[3]
"Darby was key to the investigation of David Guy McKay and Bradley Neal Crowder, both of Austin. The two men were convicted of building Molotov cocktails during the convention.[4] They have pleaded not guilty.
Prosecutors claim the two men built the firebombs because they were angry that police had seized a trailer filled with riot shields they’d built and hauled to Minnesota. In a conversation recorded by the FBI, McKay allegedly told Darby he planned to use the explosives on law-enforcement cars parked in a lot near the Xcel Energy Center."[5]
During McKay's trial his attorney and various witnesses alleged Darby was acting as an Agent provocateur. The case ended in a mistrial, however McKay subsequently pled guilty in exchange for a plea bargain. Crowder also accepted a plea bargain in exchange for a guilty plea. [6]
Darby's role as an FBI informant is the subject of the 381st episode of This American Life entitled "Turncoat".
References
- ^ independent.co.uk, Mar. 9, 2007. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/desolation-row-the-betrayal-of-new-orleans-439511.html
- ^ Website Free the Texas 2 Website
- ^ Pioneer Press, Twin Cities.com, Jan. 1, 2009. Social activist, organizer ... and RNC informant
- ^ Federal Bureau of Investigation, Sept. 8, 2008. Affidavit by Special Agent Christopher Langert
- ^ The Journal, New Ulm, Minn., Jan. 2, 2009. Informant in RNC arrests says he stopped violence
- ^ KXAN News, Austin, Tx., Jan. 8, 2009. RNC suspect pleads guilty
External links
- Free the Texas 2 Website
- Brandon Darby: Snitch
- Revolutionary to rat: The uneasy journey of Brandon Darby, Austin Chronicle, January 22nd, 2009
- This American Life, "Turncoat" episode