Posted on 07/30/2002 6:35:48 AM PDT by blam
Briton surfing bomb websites arrested in Florida library
Florida police have evacuated a public library and arrested a Briton who was using a computer to look at bomb-making websites.
Officials say they found suspicious liquids in his backpack.
Nigel Gates, 45, from London, has been charged with obstructing justice.
He is being held at Charlotte County Jail on immigration violations.
Gates's visa expired 11 years ago and he gave a false name during questioning, according to police records.
Lieutenant Jason Ciaschini, police spokesman in Punta Gorda, where Gates was held, says he told officers the liquids were paint thinner and jewellery cleaner that he used to clean cars.
Authorities say the chemicals did not appear to be hazardous, but they were still being identified.
Investigators seized the hard drive on the computer Mr Gates used as evidence.
Ciaschini says it is not a crime to look at bomb-making websites and it is unlikely Gates will face any other charges.
"Looking up stuff on the Internet - everybody has freedom to do that," he said.
Story filed: 10:27 Tuesday 30th July 2002
I wonder what the Brits will do with him when he returns home.
We are doomed unless we clean up immigration policy and enforcement.
A Brit can come and go as he pleases (no visa required) unless, he establishes a residence, etc....
Also, what's up with the OoJ charge?
Also, they had to charge him with something in order to hold him. Even then, he will probably go to ground when he is released.
One wonders if 'Nigel Gates' is about as British as Richard Reid.
My thoughts exactly. (I could probably win a bet on this one)
They can do this for eleven years?!? Is this an agreement reciprocated between the US AND UK?
Under the rules, a Brit could enter for a three month period without a visa. It is non-extendable. If the Brit were to leave the country, he could return for another three months, etc...
Theoretically this could go on forever. The only restriction is no residence / employment.
The agreement is/was reciprocal (you don't need a visa to travel to Europe, unless you want to work).
I'll guess they have monitors on all the bomb making sites, er?
he thought the echelon guys were ready at any moment to kick in the door..ah, good times.
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