A Trump supporter claims to have faced extreme governmental scrutiny following his involvement in a protest at a library event. The Trump supporter alleges targeting by DOJ and DHS. Was he persecuted?
Protest and Backlash
Joseph Berger, a Trump supporter and Christian activist, recounts his perceived targeting by government agencies following his protest against a “Drag Queen Story Hour” event at the Exeter Community Public Library in early 2020. After engaging with counter-protesters, including Antifa members, he began experiencing serious repercussions. What started as a peaceful protest quickly escalated into threatening messages and identity theft. Berger claims this marked the beginning of intensified government scrutiny under the Biden administration.
Legal and Governmental Encounters
Subsequent to the protest, Berger describes a federal raid on his home for what he asserts was a minor paperwork crime. He argues the raid was politically motivated, serving as a form of intimidation by the Biden administration.
During the raid, federal agents purportedly enforced a search warrant, shouting “FEDERAL SEARCH WARRANT!”
Claiming ongoing harassment, Berger details experiences of phone calls and sustained surveillance, ultimately resulting in a SWAT team arrest. According to the article, he also faced hardships as a corrections officer, including alleged political bias that contributed to his unfair treatment and eventual termination.
GREAT NEWS! The world's largest drag queen story hour attempt that was to happen in St. Pete FL later this month has been CANCELED!
We were setting up a huge protest for it, but we're very happy that it will no longer be taking place. pic.twitter.com/EF0F3C2pMW
— Gays Against Groomers (@againstgrmrs) January 3, 2023
Detention and Broader Implications
Upon arrest, Berger was denied bail, claiming political bias influenced legal proceedings. While in incarceration, he narrates experiences of mistreatment, including time in solitary confinement.
Berger’s accounts parallel narratives from other January 6th defendants, spotlighting a pattern of alleged political persecution under the current administration. The narrative illustrates an overarching theme of governmental bias against right-wing activists.
#HAPPENINGNOW Drag Queen Story Hour with Attorney General Letitia James protested at NYC LGBTQ center in Manhattan. One arrest so far from opposer of Drag Queen Story Hour
THREAD 🧵 pic.twitter.com/oBVwXySI3w
— Oliya Scootercaster 🛴 (@ScooterCasterNY) March 19, 2023
Berger and others suggest a broader strategy aimed at suppressing right-leaning beliefs and actions, using executive powers in ways that stifle political dissent. His situation raises concerns among conservative circles about the limits of lawful governmental authority, freedom of expression, and the protection of diverse viewpoints in a politically divided landscape.