Image via Shutterstock and author.
Guess what, those swarming insects aren’t the only bugs on the Burning Man playa these days.
The documents, obtained in connection with a FOIA request published by MuckRacker, show the FBI has quietly maintained a presence at the festival for at least five years.
This, despite noting that “The greatest known threat in this event is crowd control issues and use of illegal drugs by participants.” Still, FBI officials say their presence has been necessary to prevent “terrorist activities” at the weeklong desert rave.
Far more interesting is the notion that the agency has been using the event tofield-test new surveillance equipment in a heavily redacted governmental show of radical self-reliance. (According to CBS, “the agency’s Special Events Management unit seems to note that the event is used to practice intelligence collection and anti-terrorism security.”)
All this, and still no one can figure out who stole my friend’s bike!! FBI guys, if you’re reading this, it was blue and had red lights on it. Thanks so much for your help.