Music-versus-Guns: Official Statement and Information from the Promoters of Utah Rave

Interviews with the security team have been posted in the media section.

Official Statement and Information from the Promoters of Versus.

First off, we would like to thank all of the people who have come to our side in the wake of this deplorable incident. We apologize for not being able to provide you all with information faster. We are doing everything we can for people who were affected by the actions of the police. We as community have been underestimated. The finger has been waved about our character and ability. Because of this, now is the time to stand up together and show the world exactly how we don't plan to take this lying down and teach a couple old dogs a thing or two about what character is. So, this is what we need to do?

To put a stop to any rumors, or false statements that have been cropping up, we would like to clarify a couple of key issues.

Was the party permitted?
Yes, period, end of story. Now for the reason this has been in question: According to the county laws

( http://www.utahcountyonline.com/app...ATTY/Chap13.pdf )

in Section 13-4-2-1:

Required.

No person shall permit, maintain, promote, conduct,
advertise, act as entrepreneur, undertake, organize,
manage, or sell or give tickets to an actual or
reasonably anticipated assembly of two hundred fifty
(250) or more people which continues or can
reasonably be expected to continue for twelve (12) or
more consecutive hours, whether on public or private
property unless a license to hold the assembly has
first been issued by the County Commissioners. (Ord.
No. 1971-4, Section 2, 7-7-71) (emphasis added)

It states that if the party was to exceed 250 people and go over 12 consecutive hours we would have needed to clear it with the county commissioner.

The FACT is, that although the party was to exceed 250 people, it was NOT to go over 12 hours. This is evidenced by the DJ's time slots, and the agreement between Performance Audio and Brandon Fullmer. The permit was granted, and then seized by the Utah County police, clearly stated across the top ?Utah County Health Department Mass Gathering Permit.?

It was not made clear by any employee of Utah County or member of the Utah County Sheriffs Depatment at any time prior to the event that anything else may have been required by law.

Were any individuals injured by the police?
This should be self-evident that this statement is true. However, the issue needs to be addressed. The police have stated that no one was injured. There is photo and video evidence to prove otherwise. This evidence will be coming out in the press conference, which will be occurring soon.

Did the police use tazers?
Tazers were not used; however we have sufficient evidence and reason to believe that STUN guns were present and allegedly used.

Were dogs used to subdue party goers?
Yes, the K-9 units were present, and used in this operation. We have testimonials and evidence to show that the dogs were used as frightening motivational tools in evacuating the area plus you can distinctly hear them in the video.
Were cameras and videos broken or confiscated by the police?
This is true. We will provide photos and provide the actual cameras that were destroyed in the ?operation? at the press conference.

Was Brandon Fullmer involved in promoting the event called Sequence?
No. For both Versus and Sequence, there is a promoter involved named Brandon, however, they are NOT the same person. No question. This is being addressed because the Utah County Sheriffs department seems to believe these individuals are the same, when in fact they are not
Did the police officers find any weapons?
Yes, the police did arrest and charge one person with possession of a firearm. This individual in question was the land owner's son, on his own property.
Did the police seize large amounts of drugs?
Police did seize illicit drugs; a large portion of the drugs seized were drugs that the security officers had confiscated from event goers. Admittedly, this is a sticky issue. Police say security should not have those substances, but it is security's job to keep the environment as safe as possible from potential harmful situations.

What are our feelings about police presence at these events?
Many times past we have hired off duty police officers to patrol and attend these events as added security. There have also been many times where police have come, and have walked through our parties. Had the police even attempted to contact us before hand, they would have been a welcome presence.

Was this event a secret, only for people ?in the know??

ABSOLUTELY not! This event was in no way, shape or form a secret. It was a highly publicized and promoted event. If this event had been a secret, or a covert operation in any way, why were great lengths taken to obtain permits? This event was no secret.

What are we as promoters doing about this situation?

Continued:

http://www.livejournal.com/users/mpa...7/2204731.html