Feds Seek Injunction Against Black Panther Party for Voter Intimidation

Feds have taken a hard stance against the New Black Panther Party for Self-Defense, filing a lawsuit under the Voting Rights Act. The complaint claims that party members Minister King Samir Shabazz and Jerry Jackson intimidated voters at a Philadelphia polling location during the Nov. 4, 2008 general election.

Shabazz and Jackson were said to be in New Black Panther Party uniforms when they stood guard at the entrance, with Shabazz brandishing a police-style baton weapon. The complaint also alleges that Malik Zulu Shabazz confirmed this was part of a wider plan by the party to deploy members across polling locations on Election Day.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Grace Chung Becker emphasized the seriousness of voter intimidation, stating, ‘Intimidation outside of a polling place is contrary to the democratic process.’ The lawsuit seeks an injunction to prevent future such actions.

The New Black Panther Party for Self-Defense is separate from the Black Panther Party founded by Bobby Seale in the 1960s. Filing complaints about discriminatory voting practices can be done by calling the Voting Section of the Civil Rights Division at 1-800-253-3931.

Federal prosecutors are enforcing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which protects the fundamental right to vote and bans intimidation, coercion, or threats against voters. More information on this case and federal voting laws can be found on the Department of Justice’s web site at www.usdoj.gov/crt/voting/index.htm.