Group Claims Hack Of City Website Over Homeless Feeding Debate
Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter
FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – A hacker group known as 'Anonymous' said they are attacking Fort Lauderdale City's website until the city complies with their pro-homeless demands.
They call their effort to overturn the city's ban on feeding the homeless in public, 'Operation Lift the Bans.'
CLICK HERE To Watch Carey Codd's Report
There has been much turmoil over the city's decision to enact an ordinance that made feeding the homeless in public places very difficult.
Arnold Abbott has been the face of the debate, calmly defying the city's law. There have been some protests, arrests and citations, but this alleged attack goes beyond anything seen so far.
The video is nearly two minutes, but a person wearing a 'Guy Fawkes' mask from the movie "V For Vendetta" only speaks for about one minute and thirteen seconds.
The person is seen sitting at a desk holding papers as if they were broadcasting from a news desk.
"We are Anonymous. It has come to our attention that Mayor John P. Seiler has become an embarrassment to the good law abiding citizens of Fort Lauderdale," the person said using an automated voice.
The character goes on to say that they have a list of demands. If they are not met, the group will take down several websites.
"You have 24 hours or less depending on if this reaches you Mayor John Seiler. 24 hours to comply with these demands or the site will be shut down and other sites belonging to Fort Lauderdale," the person said.
All of the demands reference the homeless ordinances in place in Fort Lauderdale – from the panhandling law to the feeding in public places ordinance.
For some time on Monday afternoon, Fort Lauderdale City's homepage was inaccessible.
A spokesperson for the city's website would not confirm that they have been hacked.
Here is the video posted on YouTube:
RELATED CONTENT:
