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REPUBLIC CITY TIMES

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Left: Hiroshi Sato, Founder of Future Industries and secret Equalist; Right; Equalists about to attack, captured by amateur photographer

DOWNTOWN REPUBLIC CITY — Two shocking events occurred simultaneously last night, leaving the entirety of Republic City speechless. First, Hiroshi Sato, notable inventor, founder of Future Industries, and most recently sponsor of the Fire Ferrets, was discovered to be not only a supporter of the anti-bending group, the Equalists, but the supplier of their technology.

"I'm stunned," says a former employee of Future Industries who wishes to remain anonymous. "He seemed like such a nice guy, and you wouldn't expect it, you know? Not many rich guys come down and help the workers do their thing, but he did. I would've never even guessed that he was working for them, especially not after he sponsored the Ferrets this last season."

Late last night, former Police Chief Lin Bei Fong acted on insider intelligence leading to a raid of an underground Equalist bunker, leading from Sato Estates itself. Accompanying the Chief were a handful of metalbending police officers, as well as Avatar Korra and her friends, including the young Future Industries heiress, Miss Asami Sato. The Equalists, with Hiroshi at the head, were ready for the Chief and her entourage, leading to an all-out fight and heavy losses for the police department, including the injury of Bei Fong herself and the capture of her men.

Chief Bei Fong resigned early this morning, abdicating her post to her Captain, Saikhan, who held a press conference immediately after announcing his new role as Chief, emphasising his desire to work with the Council to bring Amon to justice.

Neither Bei Fong, Avatar Korra, Miss Sato, nor Councilman Tenzin could be reached for comment.

In what seems to be the second of a two-fold attack, Equalists raided the homes and haunts of five Republic City citizens while Sato kept the Avatar and Bei Fong busy. The victims, currently unidentified, are confirmed to have their bending completely removed.

"It was terrifying," says a witness to one of the raids, who wishes to remain anonymous for their safety. "There was a crash like glass breaking, and screaming. I woke up and ran to the window, just in time to see a bunch of figures dressed in those awful suits — maybe a dozen or more, I think — carrying away some poor person and stuffing them in the back of a van."

All five victims were found early this morning, tied up, at the steps of the Police Headquarters building. While their identities are currently unknown, it is speculated that one of the victims is a well-known probender. They are currently being kept under police protection and have been given otherwise clean bills of health from the police's medical professional.

This reporter attempted to inquire about the victims, but received no cooperation from the police department.

What does this mean for Republic City? It is clear that the Equalists mean business. The Council will convene an emergency meeting today to discuss these horrific events, with a press conference scheduled for 3PM this afternoon. Chief Saikhan and Councilman Tarrlok urge all citizens to exercise constant vigilance, and report any suspicious or suspected Equalist activity to the police department.