Committing to Peace at Alliant Tech

More than 500 people attended the Committing to Peace conference in St. Paul, Minnesota, October 29-31. The multi-generational gathering was conceived to bring together youth and elders in the nonviolent movements for social change, bringing an appreciation for our history into visions for the future.

About 200 of the conferees converged Monday morning, November 1, on the AlliantTechSystems plant in nearby Hopkins. In small groups, a total of 65 people, including two juveniles, were arrested as they moved to blockade the entrance of the international arms merchant. AlliantTech's past manufacture of depleted uranium shells drew particular criticism from demonstrators, who also condemned the Trident missile parts, anti-tank land mines and small arms produced by the corporation.

Most of those arrested were cited for misdemeanor trespass and released at the site. Twelve were taken to the Hennepin County Jail for processing, and released by day's end. A pretrial hearing has been set for January 12, 2000.

For more information, contact AlliantAction at (651)698-9352 or alliantaction@circlevision.org