The domestic terrorism squad, during a lull in activity, arrested seven animal rights activists and charged them with "multiyear conspiracy to terrorize Huntingdon Life Sciences". The indictment charged that the citizens used "telephone and e-mail blitzes, fax blitzes and computer blockades against HLS in order to divert HLS employees from their regular work." But, the attorney general said that their political speech was not protected by the first amendment. "We believe that the conduct they've engaged in is not a lawful exercise of their First Amendment rights". The individuals who were arrested were associated with the group, SHAC.