David McKay (activist)

David McKay is an activist and artist known for his attempted protest of the 2008 Republican National Convention and subsequent betrayal by noted FBI informant Brandon Darby.

David McKay was born in Midland, Texas in 1986.^[1] Prior to his attempted protest of the 2008 Republican National Convention David was not an active protester.

In 2008 he and several friends constructed several improvised shields and planned to travel to the convention and use them to block traffic, shield themselves from tear gas and bean bag guns, and in general to disrupt the convention. After they traveled to Minneapolis for the gathering their shields were stolen from a storage shed. In an outrage and persuaded by then fellow activist Brandon Darby the small group of 8 including Bradley Crowder then constructed several firebombs. David did not know that Brandon Darby was working as an FBI informant; the house where they were staying was raided, the bombs seized, and the group arrested. Brandon Darby publicly revealed his role as an informant and testified against the small group. David McKay and Bradley Crowder both accepted plea bargains and served several year long incarcerations. David McKay is scheduled to be released in 2012.^[2]

References

1. ^ "Better This World Character Bios - David McKay", a section of the website for PBS's P.O.V. documentary
2. ^ "Better This World", a PBS P.O.V. documentary starring David McKay, Bradley Crowder and Brandon Darby

External links

• "Better This World", a documentary from PBS's long-running series P.O.V.
• DavidMcKayArt.com, features artwork made during his 4-year incarceration