Justice Department Files Suit Against New Black Panthers

The U.S. Justice Department has filed suit against members of the New Black Panther Party for Self-Defense (NBPP) over alleged voter intimidation by NBPP members on Election Day 2008.

The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Philadelphia on January 7, 2009, alleges that two NBPP members engaged in voter intimidation at a North Philadelphia polling station on November 4, 2008.

King Samir Shabazz, the group's local leader in Philadelphia, and Jerry Jackson, the chapter's chief of staff, stood outside the polling station in NBPP uniform. Shabazz, 38, brandished a police-style weapon. Jackson, reportedly a member of the 14th Ward Democratic Committee and certified poll worker, stated at the time that he was "making sure that media agitation does not disturb voters."

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