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Hacker Group Anonymous Threatens Fullerton Police Department Website

FULLERTON (CBS) — A hacker group is threatening to cripple the Fullerton Police Department's website over the death of a homeless schizophrenic man.

The threat from the group Anonymous has forced the city of Fullerton to shore up its computer and electronic communication systems and monitor them for any intrusions.

So far, no sabotage or disruptions have been detected.

The group issued three demands with a deadline of noon Sunday. The group is demanding the prosecution of the six officers involved in the beating of Kelly Thomas, the immediate resignation of the department's chief of police, and an immediate payment of $5 million to the surviving family of Thomas.

Thomas, 37, died five days after suffering severe neck and head injuries during an arrest by Fullerton police officers on July 5. Since his death, residents have voiced increasingly loud protests about Thomas' treatment and the police department's actions.

The Thomas family has filed a claim alleging violation of civil rights, negligence and conspiracy against the city of Fullerton and its police department. Ron Thomas, Kelly Thomas father, says the city offered him $900,000 to settle any civil claims against the city on July 29.

Ron Thomas, however, says he does condone a hacker attack on the city, despite his desire for justice.

Part of the message sent to the city read:

"For too long the public has 'accepted' the spin from the police. Already they have begun libeling him by publishing documents about his mental illness to sway support towards the police. At the same time, the videos from the cruisers and the surveillance camera, which could instantly alibi their officers is still yet to be released. What is it that they are trying to hide? Why is it that former Fullerton Police Chiefs sit on the city council?"

"We will begin to treat the web assets of the police, city government - and any other targets we deem in support or a cause of this incident with as much mercy as was shown to Kelly Thomas. He may have been silenced, but his screams will live on forever, and we will join him as 'Operation Fullerton.'"

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