Controversy over convicted bomber, Raymond Levasseur, speaking at UMass

Convicted domestic terrorist Ray Luc Levasseur wasn't attending a University of Massachusetts forum on his landmark 1989 sedition trial, but police officers were picketing anyway.

The former leader of the United Freedom Front served 20 years for his role in a series of 1970s protest bombings. Other members of his group were charged in the 1981 killing of a New Jersey state trooper.

Some 100 troopers from Massachusetts, New Jersey and their supporters protested the forum along with the slain trooper's widow.

Levasseur's ex-wife and former group member Patricia Levasseur told more than 200 people attending the UMass event that the group meant well but did make mistakes. Ray Levasseur is on parole and was denied permission to make the trip from Maine.

Levasseur's invitation to speak drew objections from Gov. Deval Patrick and university officials.