St. Paul police raid protest group meeting

ST. PAUL, Minn., Aug. 30 (UPI) -- St. Paul, Minn., police say they raided a rental hall being used by protesters preparing for next week's Republican National Convention.

The hall was occupied by a group called The RNC Welcoming Committee, and members said while no one was arrested, they were photographed and temporarily detained, CNN reported Saturday.

St. Paul Police spokesman Tom Walsh told reporters authorities were executing a search warrant, but said the cause for the warrant "is not public at this time," the broadcaster reported.

Witnesses said about 30 police officers came into the hall with guns drawn.

"The convergence center is simply a gathering place and is not used for illegal actions -- it is a place for workshops and trainings," said the group, which reportedly describes itself as "anarchist/anti-authoritarian."

"Tonight, we were watching films and sharing food. We are now accused of a simple fire code violation."