The members of Insane Clown Posse filed suit against the Justice Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Wednesday, claiming that the decision to classify fans of the band (Juggalos) as "criminal gang members" is "unwarranted and unlawful," The New York Times reports. The classification allegedly led law enforcement to harass Juggalos, and has caused them "significant harm."
The lawsuit reads:
Among the supporters of almost any group — whether it be a band, sports team, university, political organization or religion — there will be some people who violate the law. However, it is wrong to designate the entire group of supporters as a criminal gang based on the acts of a few. Unfortunately, that is exactly what happened here.
Plaintiffs for the case reportedly include four Juggalos from Nevada, California, North Carolina, and Iowa, who claim to have experienced police harassment or abuse due to their Insane Clown Posse allegiance.
In 2011, the FBI classified all Juggalos as a "violent street gang" and planned to infiltrate the group "from the street level."
Lisa Kleiner, for example, was required to remove her "JUGALET" license plate after a police officer complained that it was "gang-related," and she received a letter from the state demanding her to remove it.
In 2012 the Insane Clown Posse filed another lawsuit against the FBI to acquire the documents it used to determine that Juggalos were a gang, but the case was dismissed in August.
ICP has teamed up with the ACLU for the lawsuit, which has provided us with this amazing image.
Michael J. Steinberg, legal director for the ACLU of Michigan, held a press conference this morning with Juggalos in Detroit.
Joseph Bruce aka Violent J, left, and Joseph Utsler aka Shaggy 2 Dope, members of the Insane Clown Posse, of course showed up with their faces painted.
