Pastor Steven L. Anderson of the Faithful Word
Baptist Church in Tempe, AZ, says he was beaten
and Tasered by Border Patrol agents and Arizona
highway patrol officers.
The pastor of a Baptist church in the Phoenix area says he was stopped at an internal Border Patrol checkpoint, Tasered and beaten. Steven L. Anderson, of the Faithful Word Baptist Church in Tempe, Arizona, was returning from San Diego on Interstate 8 when he was stopped at a Border Patrol checkpoint -- a common but controversial feature of what the ACLU calls the "Constitution-free zone" within 100 miles of the U.S. border, where law-enforcement authorities conduct suspicion-less searches in defiance of traditional protections for individual rights.
Anderson says that, after he stood on his constitutional rights and declined to answer questions at the checkpoint, Border Patrol agents brought over a dog and claimed the animal had sniffed out either drugs or a human body in his trunk. Anderson refused to permit a search, at which time DPS (highway patrol) officers were summoned. The officers broke out his car windows and the pastor was Tasered and beaten before being arrested.
Injuries are plainly visible on Anderson's face in a video he made after the incident.
Anderson identifies three of the Border Patrol agents as C. Diaz, B. Griffiths and E. Gomez. He is due in court today, where he plans to plead "not guilty" to all charges.
More information is available at the Anderson family blog.
email J.D.: civilliberties (at) tuccille.com
You might also enjoy these:
Civil Liberties Examiner is now on Facebook!
Or follow the latest civil liberties news on Twitter: Libertywriter
Comments
I have a hunch this Anderson boy provoked this incident and, most likely, is not being truthful. Anderson is a classic religious kook, a poorly educated Jesus freak.
Anderson preaches gay people should be put to death, preaches those who practice birth control are murderers and whores who should perish in the fires of Hell, proclaims male obstetricians and gynecologists are the Devil's work and Anderson preaches nudity is a high sin deserving of damnation and death.
His wife compares our government to Hitler's Third Reich, describes their neighbors as "horror neighbors", screams at kids who use chalk to write on sidewalks and, most odd, she walks through their neighbor looking inside cars of others to determine if their neighbors are keeping their cars "clean and neat" as they are expected to do.
Readers are invited to cruise through the web sites of Anderson's church and the web site of his wife. I certain you will amused, angered and shocked by what you discover.
Personally, I would taser both of their butts for their simply being terminally stupid.
However, I am biased. I am merely a heathen savage Indian girl who likes to play chalked out sidewalk hopscotch and much enjoys running around naked; we are nudists, a family deserving of damnation and death.
Okpulot Taha
Choctaw Nation
@Okpulot Taha -- one of the "upgrades" I am thankful the "white man" made to this patch of dirt is the concept that "justice is blind", meaning biases such as yours have no legitimate bearing in the courtroom. This country was founded upon and is still under the rule of law, specifically the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights. I really don't care what the Andersons do in their spare time so long as it is legal and does not impinge upon the rights of other legal citizens. Those actions and their personal beliefs have absolutely no bearing on civil rights violations at a checkpoint stop. It will take a number of these egregious cases being brought by brave souls in the face of people like you, subsequently fairly adjudicated in as public a manner as possible, to even begin to reign in the often reported abuses perpetrated on United States citizens by power-inebriated, color-of-law-violating employees of the state and federal government. We are where we are today because, once again, "...accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed."
Those who don't learn from history and all of that.
This guy is a jerk who uses his title of "pastor" and the influence that has on the minds and hearts of others to further a sick and twisted irrational political cause. He makes a hobby out of provoking law enforcement officers and IMO, got exactly what he wanted when he was beaten. He's been trying to get beaten so he can do this for a long time, just watch the other YouTube vids on his account.
It absolutely disgusts me that he uses the faith people put in clergy to do it.
Okpulot Taha - I'm surprised by your comment, based on a brief reading of the blog linked to by this article, I get a different impression. Conservative yes, religious yes (I'm neither), but they don't seem to come off quite as hate-filled as you indicate, but its seems that you might be a neighbor from your comments maybe you know this family better than what they reveal in their website. Still, even so did that man deserve to be treated that way? not in my book. Was he provocative toward the authorities, perhaps, but the burden of restraint is on the one with the taser not the one going about his business. I may be a heathen like you but its clear as day to me that if we allow even one "religious kook" to be treated in this way it won't be long before we're in his place. If you don't have justice for all, and respect for all, then you have it for none.
When the Nazis came for the communists,
I remained silent;
I was not a communist.
Then they locked up the social democrats,
I remained silent;
I was not a social democrat.
Then they came for the trade unionists,
I did not speak out;
I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews,
I did not speak out;
I was not a Jew.
When they came for me,
there was no one left to speak out for me.
Hi, I don't know much about this guy but is he the same guy on the youtube snippet entitled: Abusive Border Patrol Agents w/ Nun Chucks at NM Checkpoint
Please tell me.
Respect to the Choctaw Nation who kindly gave money to help the Irish people during the famine only a short number of years after being forcibly removed by the US government and forced on their trail of tears. I thank your people for their help and remember you in my heart. Your kindness will live with my people forever more.
Nunya B writes, "Those actions and their personal beliefs have absolutely no bearing on civil rights violations at a checkpoint stop."
Brian writes, "Was he provocative toward the authorities, perhaps, but the burden of restraint is on the one with the taser not the one going about his business."
Although my ancestors lost our war in the end, a reason so many of our skirmishes with our American government were so successful is we chose our battles carefully. However, we were too few to stop four-hundred years of genocide against my American Indian peoples.
You boys come across as not savvy enough to choose your battles carefully.
Police brutality is real but is rare. We know there are bad cops out there, but far and few between. We also know there bad people out there all over our world, not a lot but enough to cause us concern.
Returning to Tuccille's topic, yes, we have a right to resist, to object to police mistreatment. However, almost always doing so escalates a situation. You will lose every "battle" with the police, bad police and good police alike. There are alternative means of redress available, such as subsequent civil litigation. There are ways to lose your immediate battle yet win your war.
When you mess with the police, odds are very high you will be roughed up. This is a given. I would not have this otherwise; we cannot afford to have timid fearful police.
A couple of examples for you, based upon my American Indian traditional way of being pragmatic.
Jack Abramoff ripped off my Choctaw tribe (and other tribes) for millions of dollars and uttered horrific racial slurs about us. We did not exhibit knee jerk reactions. No, we quietly pursued this issue through our justice system. Today, Abramoff sits in prison and our money is returned.
No visible outrage on our part, no mass demonstrations, no Al Sharpton nor Jesse Jackson idiocy. No, we worked within the system and attained our goal of punishing Abramoff, quietly and very powerfully.
Although a long hilarious story, I will be brief. On my thirtieth birthday, I was caught with friends way out at a wildness lake, drunk, partying, naked and skinny dipping. My tribal police did not even need to exit their truck, I stupidly ran right up to them, buck ass naked, "I'm thirty years old today!"
I was taken into custody, which is right. Their concern is I might come to harm being drunk and naked out in the wilds. This is sensible but misguided for circumstances.
At their office, during booking, I cut a deal with those good spirited grinning cops; I pose nude for private photos, they cut me loose without filing criminal charges. We all had a lot of fun, they gave me coffee and a sandwich, then later returned me home to my husband who was proud of me for cutting a deal rather than causing a lot of problems.
One of nude mug shots is proudly displayed on our family web server.
Like our tribe pragmatically working through our legal system to take down Abramoff, I choose to pragmatically work through our social system to have myself set free.
I could have raised a ruckus, could have made everyone mad because there is no or was no tribal law against being drunk, naked and skinny dipping out in the wilds. Had I raised a ruckus, no doubt I would have been handcuffed, taken in, tossed in a jail cell, then criminally charged followed by trial.
Consequences of adamantly standing up for my rights would have me paying a very high price. I elected to follow our traditional pragmatic ways and cut a deal, which was wise on my part.
Nunya, you comment a person's background behavior has no bearing on civil right's violation. This is untrue. Anderson's background, I am quite sure, fair or not, his behavior was such he provoked those cops into drastic, possibly inappropriate behaviors.
This does not excuse bad behavior on the part of the cops, nor excuses Anderson's bad behavior. However, this does reflect how we can create circumstances which lead to bad behavior on the part of all involved.
Anderson could have submitted to demands of those cops, probably no problem would have resulted. His rights may have been violated but he had an option of redress through peacefully and smartly seeking retribution thorough our legal system, much as my tribe did with Abramoff, or much as I did by entertaining my police captors, who became lifelong friends as a spin-off result.
Incidently, past behaviors and crimes of a person are allowed to be considered during sentencing for a new crime. This sets a long historical precedent "personal behavior" can be considered for any given incident.
Choosing a battle carefully is a fine art of my culture. These days, we almost always win because we approach problems from within the system, rather than go on a rampage outside of the system.
Anderson was wrong. The police were wrong. This was a lose-lose situation for all. Neither side chose their battle carefully.
Boys, chose your battles carefully lest the cops use a taser on you. If not, I am likely to use a taser on you for simply being so dumb.
Sometimes losing a battle leads you to winning the war, such as Little Big Horn.
Okpulot Taha
Choctaw Nation
OK, I have watched Tuccille's linked video three times and took notes while doing so.
I note Anderson repeatedly contradicts himself, note he is possibly practicing deceit and note the police acted completely and well within the limits of law.
No civil right's violation occurred based upon this story told by Anderson.
Anderson is at fault for this incident.
Anderson violated several laws and actively resisted lawful police commands, this is well evidenced simply based on his ludicrous story.
Personally, I find Anderson to be a sissy boy agitator who received his just deserves. This is a boy who needs to be penalized by our legal system to remind him there are consequences attached to violating our laws.
I would enjoy personally giving that boy a blistering bare butt switching for his being so gosh darn stupid.
Okpulot Taha
Choctaw Nation
Well Taha, no civil rights for you. If someone wants to do you harm because your a dog-eater, just pick your battle carefully. The rest of us will make sure and cheer for the other guys because well, we don't like our dogs eaten.
Have I pretty much captured your spirit freedom, hooray for me, to hell with you kind of thing?
Okpulot Taha: quite astute observations. I agree with nearly everything you said, especially your points regarding Anderson's apparent provocation of these police (and the needless emotional intensity that resulted in the violence), and also about choosing battles wisely.
These traffic stops do currently exist in a legal limbo. The legal precedent cited by the Supreme Court (US v Martinez-Fuerte) allows these checkpoints to operate solely to protect US Immigration law, and only in a capacity to enforce immigration law.
So, Anderson is arguably correct. He'll get a good attorney and his case will get sorted out.
He's still a jackass, though. I mean, what's so hard about rolling down a window, saying "Hi, how are ya?", and getting on with your day?
Cheers.
Mike writes, "These traffic stops do currently exist in a legal limbo...(US v Martinez-Fuerte)... to protect US Immigration law...."
These are finer points to be argued by lying lawyers. Your point is valid and well taken.
Reason local police were called in is to handle this incident legally. My understanding if drugs are involved, the DEA becomes involved. If weapons are involved, the ATF becomes involved. If human trafficking is the case, then our FBI make their case.
So, yes and no. Border Patrol typically act as a temporary legal detention until appropriate law enforcement comes on scene.
I have no qualms with this quirk in our laws because criminals, beyond illegal aliens, are brought to justice.
Mike closes, "He's still a jackass...what's so hard about rolling down a window...."
Yep, a dumb ass. Anderson's video suggests to me he kept his windows rolled up and his doors locked. This is really stupid.
Circumstances like this our police will automatically assume criminal behavior and rightfully so. Could be anything, drugs, weapons, smuggling or simply running from the law. Police will instantly assume dangerous circumstances, such as Anderson being armed and ready to kill. Assuming anything less has cops killed.
Police handled this perfectly. Banging on his passenger window was a diversion. Having him cover his face was to blind him. Real intent was to blindside him from the driver's side, then stun him before he could go for a weapon. Banging his head on his door was warranted, both legally and ethically, as was tasering him to be sure he is disabled. Anderson placed himself in a position of simply being shot, which would be warranted if Anderson made any furtive motion.
I would say Anderson came close to having himself killed. This is his fault.
You are quite correct, Mike. Anderson could have simply rolled down his window, allowed the Border Patrol see a white boy alone in a car, nothing suspicious. Anderson probably would have been on his way in less than a minute, with well wishes from the agents.
A personal note is Anderson's behavior is consistent with his maniacal ravings on his church website. This video is shot by his control freak wife and she is clearly enabling his behavior; she directs him what to say.
Those two are quite the pair to draw to. Seems they are their own worst punishment. A risk they run is having their children removed by social services, which I believe should be done; their children will be raised to be just as irresponsible and nutty as their parents.
Okpulot Taha
Choctaw Nation
Sorry folks, We live in a Constitutional Republic, not a banana republic where we have to fear being accosted by the 'authorities' and justify our movements. This is clearly another example of the self proclaimed "authorities" using their power and force to show a mere citizen who's boss - the old resistance is futile syndrome. As a Constitutionalist myself I believe it is our duty to constantly question "authority" and to assert our God given, Constitutionally protected rights. WE THE PEOPLE enpower those whose job it is to protect our borders, they have no power over us. The Border Patrol fails miserably in their job of sealing our border against foreign invaders, but we see here to what lengths they'll go to to prove to a U.S. citizen how tough they can be. These people are of the same calibre as National Socialist Brown Shirt thugs who used these tactics in 1930's Germany. To quote Orwell's 1984; "You want to know the future? It's a boot smashing a human face - forever!" Is that what we want from our government? Question and oppose this kind of treatment whenever and wherever you experience it or it will become our norm. Don't allow it here in America. -Dixon Cannon
The cops may have acted "legally", but still committed an evil act. Never forget that everything Hitler did was "legal".
Border Patrol agents Diaz, Gomez and Griffiths must be held accountable. Publicize their names everywhere and demand justice be served to make other law enforcement agents realize what they do in the dark will be brought to light and they won't get away with it, so they had better stay within the Constitutional rule of law and uphold it, not break it or stomp rights of American citizens.
David Ben-Ariel writes, "Border Patrol agents Diaz, Gomez and Griffiths must be held accountable."
For what? They violated no laws.
Okpulot Taha
Choctaw Nation
Provocation? What was the provocation for the 9/11 attacks and the wiping out of 3000+ lives? What was the provocation for the war? Any fool knows that the government sanctioned it, and then continuously lied to cover it up - and I am from the UK. It doesn't take provocation. There is an overall worldwide agenda - one world (unchallenged) government, and they kill anyone who gets in the way - follow the body count - listen to JFK.
The United Kingdom is following the USA formula of problem, reaction, solution with it's false flag attacks of 2005, scaremongering and gradual erosion of freedoms. Bickering with one another doesn't help. We are all meant to be on the same side. Either you are with us or you are with the terrorists! Okpulot, why are you flipping out, huh?
Another thing that makes me laugh is the belief that the police are there to protect us, and that they are somewhat moral individuals. They are there to keep us from dissenting! A former police man said that the only cops that get promoted are the ones who would shoot there mother, and place bets on which way she falls!
Even if Mr. Anderson was being aggressive there are none violent ways to subdue a person, just through bodily restraint. They are power hungry, trigger happy and empty headed stooges who cannot see that they too are being used, and some of them are more criminally minded than the average citizen! But they are able to get away with it because there is a complete lack of justice - Why? Because people have lost their MORAL COMPASS. It is as though the ones who stand up for morality are the ones that get shot down. What's wrong with THAT picture?! I certainly agree that the American government are Nazi's. Look at Bush's face when he supposedly heard of the attacks - didn't give a sh**!
It just shows the stupidity of the American people, running to vote in a man who they know nothing about simply because he's black? Dick Cheney's cousin? Bush's cousin? They are all related, yet the Americans still fall for the illusion that they have freedom of choice! THERE IS NO CHOICE! Voting in America is like walking through separate doors into the same room!
And what is on the agenda? Global this! global that! global, global, global! Whatever the issue - if your butt itches, it can only be scratched if we have a global government. If your hair falls out - the solution is global government. The whole global warming is a scam, as there is weather modification technology - but of course yet again global warming can only be solved by a global government. WHAT A JOKE!
@911- Man you may need to replace your tinfoil hat!
If we are really governed by jack-booted Nazis then I doubt we would be writing on this blog.
I guess the more shocking thing is that we have a border patrol as you would not know it living here in Southern California. It figures that they would get caught roughing up one of our own.
I don't ever expect us to get really concerned about our border until the shootouts start occurring in Beverly Hills or where a lot of the people who fund the ACLU live; then we might start seeing a different attitude. As long as violence just happens in the poor neighborhoods the elite leftist and right wing business owners will be content with the border wide open to further their selfish agenda.
These kids (Border Patrolman)are board to death out there. I drive through there twice a week and tell them I travel only in the U.S. and where I travel is my business.Some take it personally and others don't. Either way if I wasn't over fifty they probally would have treated me the same way they did this young man. It's a sad day in America when authority is abused like this. Next time they will plant marijuana on someone to cover their butts.
I don't understand the victim-bashing here in these comments - maybe it is coming from fear. If you hear interviews with Anderson you will learn that he has to cross these checkpoints frequently in the course of his work. If he permits a search he can be detained for an hour, thus making him late for his work and impeding his lawful, free movement. Besides, these guys are not exactly a pleasure - nor are they honest.
I have been repeatedly harassed as a blonde-haired, blue-eyed, size 2 and constantly the response has been that I somehow provoked my attackers or was doing something I shouldn't have been doing. I was nearly killed last summer by police at a garage sale, who robbed us, brutalized us, held me at gunpoint in the shadows and killed our unborn daughter. I'm sure that there is somebody somewhere who would blame me - or better yet - blame her for her death. Since this kind of thinking isn't rational, it has to be fear. I urge you to get over your fear and realize that all people have human rights and all citizens unquestionably regardless of their religious belief, lack thereof, gender, age, race, nationality or other status have the U.S. Constitutional rights.
This guy is a fundamentalist wack. If you look at his videos on YouTUbe you will see how he thinks the government is against just him. He preaches about Barack HUSSEIN Obama and says horrible crap that has probably gotten him in a positon to be investigated for terrorism. What a moron.
These Border agents needs to be reprimaned and have their butts kicked servely and yes its takes atleast 6 guys to one kjv pastor to make it a fair fight.My point is one of our own is down and it seems like the good Christian people kick him too when he is down.It is true Christians are the only one that shot thier wounded.Shame on you cowardly Christians.and to the one jack ass on here who says they violated no law how about 6 on one or is that how you people fight
Does this explain why the pastor is now praying for Obama to be killed?
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!