Month: May 2015

In a report we were first to bring you before all the other media, the Westport Police press release verifies our first report! No expensive cable subscription needed for local news with DoingItLocal.com!

#Westport CT–At approximately 1 PM Tuesday, the Westport Police Department received a complaint from Temple Israel about unwanted people protesting at the property. Shortly after the initial  dispatch to responding units, the communications center started to receive additional calls reporting that a person had a gun. The first two arriving officers were able to take custody of the two individuals on the second floor meeting room where staff had physically detained them. During the initial response Coleytown Middle School, Coleytown Elementary School, the Pre School at the Unitarian Church and the Temple Israel Nursery were put into lockdown until officers were able to clear the buildings. No gun was located during the incident but a witness had observed one of the men approaching with a shirt over his arm and hand which led some witnesses to believe he was carrying a gun. Westport Officers were assisted by the Weston Police Department during the incident.

 

During the investigation it was learned that the Temple was hosting a talk with members of the Israeli Defense Force (IDF). The two suspects had arrived to protest the IDF. They entered the building and were confronted by staff and told to leave. The two suspects refused and walked past staff, and attempted to enter the meeting place. Temple Israel staff had to physically prevent them from entering the meeting room. As the two were detained outside the meeting room it was reported that they were shouting various statements regarding the IDF. The actions of the two protestors created enough concern to the attendees that several people had exited the premises in fear for their safety.

The two suspects claim to be college students protesting the IDF. A vehicle which witnesses reported as dropping them off has been located and the person has been identified. He will not be charged with any criminal charges.

The following two individuals were arrested:

Daniel Fisher (age 25) 93 Osborn Avenue New Haven Ct.

Gregory Williams (age 25) 599 Whitney Avenue New Haven Ct.

Both Fischer and Williams have been charged with Criminal Trespass 1st Degree C.G.S 53a-107 and Breach of Peace 2nd Degree 53a-181(a)(3). They were both issued a $1500 bond and were issued a court date of May 21st 2015 at Norwalk Court.