GTAC Hires Armed Security To Protect Drill Sites

Gogebic Taconite (GTAC) has brought in security guards carrying semi-automatic rifles to protect their drilling sites in the Penokee Range.

The presence of the guards is upsetting lots of people up north.

Photos have gone viral of men at an Iron County drill site dressed in “Desert Storm” camouflage fatigues, wearing sunglasses with assault rifles draped over their chests. Sen. Bob Jauch, D-Poplar, says this is escalating fear.

Jauch: “Citizens really are upset in northern Wisconsin when our forests are being patrolled by these masked soldiers. One has to wonder why they are masked [and] carrying military assault weapons like mercenaries in a time of war.”

Although the security guards are at Iron County drill sites, one drill hole was in Ashland County. Ashland County Sheriff Mick Brennan says he doesn’t see the need for the assault rifles.

“It always concerns law enforcement any time we have anybody that is carrying a firearm, open carry or not,” said Brennan.

But GTAC spokesman Bob Seitz says a June 11 raid at a drill site by 15 masked people which resulted in $2,000 in damage and four criminal charges against one person is reason enough.

Seitz: “When we didn’t have security, our people were attacked and equipment was destroyed and I would suggest that when we’ve had security, our people have not been attacked and our equipment has not been destroyed. And I would appreciate it if Senator Jauch could speak out against the violent criminals who are in the Northwoods from other places we suspect in his district.”

Jauch did condemn that raid, and he and Rep. Janet Bewley, D-Ashland, are writing a letter asking GTAC to remove this security force to a more appropriate level.

The guards have “Bullet Proof Securities” labels on their vehicles and arm patches. The firm’s website says it’s based out of Scottsdale, Arizona.