If you read down a little further, you will see where Rev. Mahoney was arrested in the name of "national security" for peaceably holding a sign saying "God Bless America".
It seems that the type of government abuse of citizens which Rev. Mahoney experienced is permitted by the Patriot Act, which is what caused him to make his argument.
Put it this way: Would you trust President Rodham with the Patriot Act? :-)
LOL. No, but then I wouldn't trust here without it either.