Federal agents are serving a warrant at Uhuru House this morning, a St. Petersburg police spokesman said.
The spokesman, Ken Knight, declined to provide further information, saying the law enforcement agency was not in charge of the investigation. However, he said more information will be available at a noon news conference with the FBI, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida Roger Handberg and St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway.
On Friday morning, 12th Avenue S and 18th Avenue S were closed by several St. Petersburg police cars and several lines of caution tape.
Located at 1245 18th Avenue S in St. Petersburg, the Uhuru House is the headquarters of the International Uhuru Movement. The group is part of a “world organization, under the leadership of the African People’s Socialist Party, which unites African peoples as one people for liberation, social justice, self-reliance and economic development.”
The St. Petersburg group has a history of being critical of city leaders and the police department.
On July 7, police arrested 19-year-old Kenny Jay Raymond, who they said threw a flamethrower at a pan-African flag outside the house. In his arrest affidavit, Raymond said he hated socialists and saw the “ugly flag” on his way to and from work.
This is a developing story. Stay with tampabay.com for updates.
