PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 7 (UPI) -- Federal officials Wednesday accused a black activist organization of intimidating Philadelphia voters and those helping them during the Nov. 4 election.
The Justice Department filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court against the New Black Panther Party for Self-Defense and three of its members, alleging they violated the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
The federal government claims Minister King Samir Shabazz and Jerry Jackson were deployed at the entrance to a Philadelphia polling location wearing the uniform of the New Black Panther Party for Self-Defense, and that Samir Shabazz repeatedly brandished a police-style baton weapon.
"Intimidation outside of a polling place is contrary to the democratic process," said Acting Assistant Attorney General Grace Chung Becker. "The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was passed to protect the fundamental right to vote and the department takes allegations of voter intimidation seriously."
The government alleges New Black Panther Party Chairman Malik Zulu Shabazz confirmed the placement of Samir Shabazz and Jackson in Philadelphia was part of a nationwide effort to deploy party members at polling locations on Election Day.
The Justice Department seeks an injunction preventing any future deployment of, or display of weapons by, New Black Panther Party members at polling locations.
The organization, which claims active chapters nationwide, is distinct from the Black Panther Party founded by Bobby Seale in the 1960s, Justice officials noted.
