This announcement comes from folks organizing support for environmental activist Marie Mason, who was arrested on Monday. The arrest should be seen as part of the ongoing arrests targeting radical environmentalists that have become known as the "the Green Scare." Aside from supporting Mason, we urge people to check out the website of the Twin Cities Eco-Prisoner Support Committee for more on Midwest "Green Scare" investigations.

At approximately 11:38 AM on Monday, long time environmental activist and community organizer Marie Mason was arrested by federal agents. At the same time at a separate location Agents from the FBI, Dept. of Homeland Security and Cincinnati Intelligence Unit executed a search warrant on Marie's home, detaining Marie's 16 year old daughter for close to an hour before releasing her. Agents left with several boxes full of items from Marie's home as well as a computer. Roughly two months ago, Marie and her daughter were detained at gun point in their front lawn after discovering a plainclothes officer from Cincinnati's Police Dept. Intelligence Unit planting a GPS tracker on her car. This represents the latest in a long and escalating line of harassment by the agents of the state. At the time of writing, she is being transported by Federal Agents to Grand Rapids, Michigan. It is unknown at this time what charges Marie is facing.

Friends are in the process of establishing a support network for Marie and raising funds for any potential legal costs. To get in contact with Marie's support crew email b4pcrew@riseup.net. More Information will be posted as it becomes available.

** UPDATE **

We have confirmed Marie is being held in the Butler County jail (southwestern Ohio) pending transfer to Michigan. She is being held on suicide watch which we believe is just another tactic of the state to break her down and further isolate her from friends and family.

Federal agents are contacting people on Marie's cell phone list claiming they are contacting folks on Marie's behalf to pass along information. We want everyone to know this is bullshit. We were able to briefly speak with Marie, who despite the current situation is in good spirits. Marie is not asking the state to contact anyone on her behalf. Realize if you know/knew Marie your contact information was likely seized when they raided her house. Understand these are old-school COINTELPRO style tactics that have been historically used to disrupt and confuse support networks and activist circles. Stay focused, stay safe, and don't talk to law enforcement no matter how innocent it may seem.

At this time there's a lot we don't know. Please understand speculation, rumors, and hearsay help no one. We will be forthcoming with confirmed information on Marie's current situation as it becomes available.