US Capitol Police email raises concern for 20th anniversary rally of Million Man March

WASHINGTON - There is controversy over an email the United States Capitol Police sent out about this weekend's rally to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Million Man March.

Members of the police union were offended by what they call the email's alarmist and race baiting tone.

On Capitol Hill, preparations are underway for Saturday's Justice or Else! -- a rally organized by the Nation of Islam.

But an intelligence newsletter sent to U.S. Capitol Police officers warned that Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan "has been accused of inciting violence against both Caucasians and police officers."

Later, after noting the original 1995 rally was peaceful, the alert went on to warn "there are legitimate concerns the second march may not be as peaceful."

Farrakhan's recent comments on "The Rock Newman Show" about Jewish people have again sparked old accusations of anti-Semitism by Farrakhan.

The name of Justice or Else! rally has raised concern over what "or else" means.

"You really don't know what's going to happen until the day of this event. No one knows." said Hamil Harris, a reporter for the Washington Post, which first reported on the U.S. Capitol Police bulletin.

Harris spoke with Nation of Islam officials who insist their event will be peaceful.

"They have an incredible security operation and they are basically saying we will control this event," said Harris. "There will be plenty of people out there to control something and the focus, they say, will be on the speeches."

U.S. Capitol Police Chief Kim Dine has since rescinded the email saying the bulletin does not reflect the viewpoint of the department.

In a statement, Chief Dine said, "The USCP prides itself on protecting the rights of people to peaceably assemble under the First Amendment. The newsletter that was released by the Protective Services Bureau, Division of Intelligence and Information Analysis was rescinded as it was not authorized, reviewed, or approved by the Chief of Police. This document was poorly constructed, without attribution, and does not reflect the viewpoint or values of the United States Capitol Police, nor was it intended to provide instruction or guidance to our employees. Upon learning of the release of this document, immediate and appropriate steps were taken to ensure this type of incident does not occur again, including an active, open, internal investigation regarding this matter."

We reached out to the Nation of Islam on Wednesday, but they did get back to us.