Terrorism charges against 'RNC Eight' dropped

Citing 'distraction,' prosecutor intends to focus on 'core illegal conduct'

Terrorism charges against the eight protesters arrested for plotting to disrupt the Republican National Convention have been dropped while lesser felony charges remain in place.

"The Ramsey County attorney's office said [Thursday morning] that it would file amended complaints in the cases of the men and women known as the 'RNC 8.' The charges of conspiracy to commit riot and conspiracy to commit criminal damage to property will remain, but other charges of conspiracy to commit riot and conspiracy to commit criminal damage to property 'in furtherance of terrorism" will be dismissed,' writes Twincities.com.