One Police Plaza, Before the Protest.
"We got Intel on one of the Black Lives Matter organizers that they are planning an attack," their captain said matter of factly.
"And do we know where this Intel came from?" Goren had been fed up with the smear campaign on BLM but also the police and the way they stick by their own. Goren did not like crooked cops and he did not want to be a part of something that meant covering up for one.
"Bobby, don't fight me on this. We got our orders and you've got yours. No one likes this but it has to be investigated.
"What about Counterterrorist Bureau, why aren't they running this? With all do respect it's not something MCS usually deals with," Goren continued.
"I'm sure they have their files and are doing what they can but time is ticking and we need to neutralize this threat before we have mass casualties."
"Normally they are busting their butts to override us and take our cases but this one they hand over no problem. I don't know Cap, this seems off," Goren sensed that this was not what it seemed but they had their orders.
"That's all I know. Need to know basis."
"Oh goodie I guess we drew the short straw." Eames remarked. "What do we know so far?"
"The possible assailant is one Gregory Falter. He has a history of arrests, mostly minor crimes, possession and unsanctioned protests."
"So how does Gregory jump from misdemeanor to the top of the government watch list?" Eames is visibly frustrated.
"Says here he exchanged some letters with the black panther organization alluding to joining up and making a statement that will neutralize the NYPD and it is set to happen sometime during the protest. I know not much time, which is why it's all hands on deck."
"So we are thinking some sort of bomb or attack? Has the bomb squad been notified?" Eames wanted this done by the book if it truly was a threat, she was not about to have NYPD or NY leveled by something they could prevent.
"Yes they are standing by," Captain began to bark off more orders, "Look into those who know him and find out if he's done anything violent that we don't know of that can shed some light on possible patterns. Let's see if we can lock in a time when this is supposed to happen."
"I don't like this any more than you do, Bobby," Eames commiserated.
"It stinks," Bobby shrugs and shakes his body, "Well I don't like the idea of mass casualties either so let's see what we can find on one Gregory Falter."
"Gregory Falter, father of a 4 year old but he doesn't live with the mother. Not married. No other kids by anyone else. High school diploma two years in college but never finished. No apparent history of violence. He did a stint in for possession but was released on parole for good behavior. No connections inside that lead us to believe that he would do something destructive outside of that letter that we have yet to see," Eames shot off based on what they were given and what she was able to find, "Lovely nothing helpful. Let's run by the girlfriend and see if we can get anything out of her."
Girlfriend's House
"Has Gregory said anything to you to suggest that he would do something violent? Has he been around anyone connected with terrorism?"
"Terrorism. What makes you think…look Gregory may seem rough around the edges but he isn't violent. He takes good care of us and wants better for Jayden."
"How so?"
"He spoke about how broken the educational system is and how the only history taught is white washed and tainted. He wanted Jayden to know his roots and be exposed to hands-on learning to prepare him to be a man and not end up in the system like him."
"Know his roots…did that have anything to do with religion, Islam?"
"Not just religion but culturally. He wanted him to feel a connection with his ancestors. But listen, it's not anything that you guys should be concerned about. You are asking about terrorism but Gregory isn't a terrorist."
"But he has been a part of Black Lives Matter."
"BLM is not a terrorist organization. It's meant to raise awareness, teach history, and provide help to those wrongfully incarcerated. They do good work. Don't let the media twist it for you."
"What about Black Panthers? Does Gregory have any connection to that organization?"
"Let a black man try to do something good for the community and they automatically accuse them of wrong doing. How quickly you forget about the breakfast programs and good that the Black Panthers has done. No, you immediately jump to militant."
"But they were militant, they carried weapons and unleashed those weapons on police. I'd say that's problematic wouldn't you?" Eames retorted.
"They were protecting themselves…look Gregory did like the Panthers in how they teach their young and he wanted that for Jayden but He's not involved with the Panthers."
"We have intel that he was exchanging letters discussing something that could level the NYPD. You understand this is serious stuff."
"No. You got this wrong. I don't know where you got your intel but it's false. Gregory wouldn't do something like that."
"Okay thanks for your time. Here's our card. If you think of anything..I mean anything that can be helpful call us," Goren handed her his card and offered a weak smile.
"Well that was a whole lot of nothing," Eames quipped
"yeah I-I don't know..maybe."
"What are you thinking?"
"I don't know yet. We need more information. We need to talk to the Black Panthers," Goren stated matter of factly.
"Yeah I'm sure they'd welcome us with open arms," Eames said sarcastically.