Hear what critics are saying

BOISE -- A peaceful protest turned vocal Tuesday afternoon as America’s top attorney refuses to speak before those who oppose him.

U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales was in Boise talking about efforts to combat gang activity in southwest Idaho.

But protestors had other topics on their mind. Their efforts to be heard forced Gonzales to move to a friendlier location for his afternoon news conference.

The controversial attorney general was in town to deliver a specific message -- one aimed at bolstering the fight against gangs.

But with about 100 protestors on hand with a different agenda, the AG decided the environment was too hostile.

Shortly before Gonzales was to address the public at the Fort Boise Community Center, it was announced the media conference would be moved and restricted to reporters only.

That was something that did not sit well with a number of those on hand.   

“If you're not willing to come out and meet your critics, if you're only willing to do it at the U.S. Attorney's Office, press only, people have to get through security, then it's pretty clear you're uncomfortable with the position you're in," said Larry Grant, Idaho Democrat.

More than an hour later at the U.S. District Court building, Gonzales explained his actions to journalists.

"The concern was, because of other individuals that were there, it would detract and be a distraction from a very important message that I wanted to deliver to the people of this community, that there's a lot of stuff going on in Boise and in this area," said Gonzales.