In her new book, The Burglary, Betty Medsger tells the story of the 1971 break-in at the Media, Pennsylvania FBI office by a group of courageous activists—including John and Bonnie Raines—which confirmed what some had long suspected: that J. Edgar Hoover was intentionally using the FBI's broad investigative mandate to suppress dissent, in violation of the U.S. Constitution. She re-creates in resonant detail how this unlikely band of ordinary Americans risked everything to challenge the most powerful man in America—and won. 

Join the Brennan Center for Justice for a candid and engaging conversation about the destructive power of excessive government secrecy and the potential power of non-­violent resistance. We will also be screening a sneak preview of 1971, a poignant exposé by Johanna Hamilton that is premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival; Hamilton's film tells this story and begs the question: who’s watching the watchmen?

External Link »