This Is a Test.

It’s only a test. Had it been a real tax emergency, there might have actually been a break in news about Paris Hilton’s house arrest to discuss a slightly more exciting one… that of Ed Brown.

Earlier today, SWAT team personnel arrived at land owned by Ed Brown in New Hampshire. Mr. Brown claimed on his blog that this was “apparently this was a test by the authorities”.

However, federal authorities reported that they did not approach Ed Brown’s home to confront the Browns but rather that their purpose was to serve a federal warrant to seize Elaine Brown’s dental office in neighboring Lebanon.

Various sources have reported heavy police presence and that neighbors have been evacuated from their homes. A phone called placed by the Associated Press to the Browns to confirm these details was allegedly answered: “This is the Lord’s House. This is Sister Elaine and Brother Edward.”

Brown has reported that his power had gone out twice and that an airplane had flown over the house, which he claimed was in anticipation of a raid. Authorities did confirm that an airplane was in the area but that it was an Associated Press photographer who was ordered to leave the airspace over the Browns’ home.

The Browns were convicted earlier this year on a number of charges including conspiracy to hide $1.9 million of income between 1996 and 2003. Though sentenced to jail, the two chose not to attend their sentencing hearings and have vowed not to surrender peacefully to authorities.

The Browns have garnered some supporters via the internet. Ed and his supporters maintain a blog here.