Four senior citizens, suspected of being members of a fringe militia group in Northern Georgia, may have been better off venting their frustrations with the federal government by occupying a metropolitan park.
The four gents–Frederick Thomas, 73; Dan Roberts, 67; Ray Adams, 65; and Samuel Crump, 68–were arrested Tuesday by federal authorities on charges of plotting to buy explosives and trying to make a deadly bio-toxin to use on neighbors and government officials including those from the IRS and local law enforcement, according to a Justice Department press release.
The men sought explosives and the methods and materials to manufacture ricin, a toxin lethal in small doses, according to the FBI. They had spoken of covert operations since at least March of this year, and spoke to undercover agents about theft, murder and the use of the ricin against state and federal government workers, specifically employees of the IRS, according to the Justice Department. Thomas even discussed a “bucket list” of federal employees, politicians and individuals in the media he felt needed to be “taken out,” according to investigators.
“These defendants, who are alleged to be part of a fringe militia group, are charged with planning attacks against their own fellow citizens and government,” said Atlanta U.S. Attorney Sally Quillian Yates in a statement.
“To carry out their agenda, two of the defendants allegedly purchased purported explosives and a silencer, while the other two defendants took steps to attempt to produce a deadly biological toxin. While many are focused on the threat posed by international violent extremists, this case demonstrates that we must also remain vigilant in protecting our country from citizens within our own borders who threaten our safety and security.”
