According to recently-leaked documents, it seems that the FBI has been keeping tabs on Burning Man since at least 2010. Uncovered by MuckRock.com, the documents show that the FBI has classified Burning Man as “a cultural and artisan event, which promotes free expression by the participants.” They’ve also indicated the biggest threat of the festival, “crowd control issues and use of illegal drugs by participants.”
The documents also show coordination between the FBI and local police department, “in the prevention of terrorist activities and intelligence collection.” Unfortunately most of the documents shown are redacted, but Special Events Management Units (SEMUs) have been deployed to the festival in the past.
Ultimately, it’s unclear as to whether the FBI presence is to prevent a threat or just to gain insight into a countercultural movement. Considering the agency kept tabs on John Lennon, both motivations are potentially, and equally, likely.
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