Burning Man organizers threaten to sue federal officials ‘harassing and intimidating’ travelers

Burning Man kicks off Sunday with 80,000 people expected to descend on the Black Rock Desert in Nevada, but organizers are threatening to sue federal officials carrying out traffic stops.

In a letter obtained by Reno Gazette Journal, the organization expressed their intent to file a lawsuit in response to federal officials who have begun an operation to stop and search those traveling in the area for drugs.

Organizers state ‘improper and apparently unconstitutional behavior’ in Wednesday’s communication addressed to Mr. Darryl LaCounte, acting director of the US Bureau of Indian Affairs, plus other top officials at the federal agency.

Burning Man attendees from the 2017 festival are pictured partying in the desert

Burning Man organizers threatened to sue police patrols they say seriously affecting the festival operation

Burning Man organizers threatened to sue police patrols they say seriously affecting the festival operation

A letter complains people's First Amendment rights are being violated by being stopped for minor offences such as going 3mph over the posted speed limit and having their licence plates partially blocked

A letter complains people’s First Amendment rights are being violated by being stopped for minor offences such as going 3mph over the posted speed limit and having their licence plates partially blocked

The communication threatens to take legal action on the grounds attendees are having their First Amendment rights violated by being stopped for minor offences such as going 3mph over the posted speed limit and having their licence plate partially blocked.

It’s something supported by Channel 2 News viewer, Santiago, commenting on the ‘thousands of cars’ that pass through and the ‘bunch of people’ stopped. However, he added that stops are routine in the area.

Out of that number though, reporter Ryan Canaday says he only spotted two vehicles approached.

‘Many of the (traffic stop) tactics are attempts to intimidate and harass travelers who are doing nothing more than passing through the Reservation on a state-maintained highway,’ he wrote.

The festival claims that not only are the stops hindering their ability to provide things like ice and clean portable toilets to use at the week-long event, but they imply it’s a personal attack on people coming to express themselves freely at the annual event.

The temporary city (pictured August 2017) attracts tens of thousands from around the world

The temporary city (pictured August 2017) attracts tens of thousands from around the world

The festival (pictured 2003) claims that  the stops hindering their ability to provide things like ice and clean portable toilets to use at the week-long event

The festival (pictured 2003) claims that the stops hindering their ability to provide things like ice and clean portable toilets to use at the week-long event

It comes as law enforcement have been carrying out President Donald Trump’s mission to crack down on the opioid epidemic in the US, primarily checking State Route 447 two-lane highway as part of a deal with the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe.

‘Given the current situation and the likelihood that litigation will be necessary to remedy these violations, we request that the (Bureau of Indian Affairs), (Department of Interior) and (Bureau of Land Management) and any and all other governmental agencies involved preserve all evidence relation to the (traffic stops),’ Adam Belsky, special counsel to the Burning Man organization, said as he warned of an impending lawsuit.

The letter from Belsky claims the feds had in fact not been cooperating with the Tribe aiming to protect the land.

The matter was cleared up in a statement Thursday, where Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe chairman Vinton Hawley revealed they had worked with The Department of Interior, Secretary Zinke, and were taking measures to allow people to file a complaint if they do feel they’ve been subject to harsh treatment.

People go to Burning Man (pictured 1998) to express themselves freely at the annual event

People go to Burning Man (pictured 1998) to express themselves freely at the annual event

Burning Man (pictured September 2006) kicks off Sunday with 80,000 people expected to descend on the Black Rock Desert in Nevada

Burning Man (pictured September 2006) kicks off Sunday with 80,000 people expected to descend on the Black Rock Desert in Nevada

‘The focus is on combating opioid and heroin distribution and illegal drug trafficking through the Pyramid Lake Reservation as the primary route in and out of this event,’ he said after revealing they had also met with Burning Man organizers August 17 and 18 to discuss plans and have since set up and official complaints procedure. ‘Collaborating entities began conducting specialized drug interdiction operations the week of August 15, 2018.

‘Simultaneously, the Bureau of Land Management agents assigned to the actual Burning Man festival site will also enforce this action specific to their jurisdiction. Further, all BIA-OJS law enforcement officials will follow current policy and directives.’

As 20,000 are expected to take part in the festivities this weekend alone, it’s something the organizers want an end to now. 

A huge figure of a man is burned annually at the end of the popular festival (pictured 1998)

A huge figure of a man is burned annually at the end of the popular festival (pictured 1998)

20,000 are expected this weekend and 80,000 over the course of the next week (pictured September 2017)

20,000 are expected this weekend and 80,000 over the course of the next week (pictured September 2017)

 Patrols have been in the Burning Man (pictured September 2017) area since August 15 and will continue until September 5 

 Patrols have been in the Burning Man (pictured September 2017) area since August 15 and will continue until September 5 

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk