[Smokin' Joe]

I think they set up sting operations, choose losers, give them the info and perhaps even the gear they need to pull the operation off, and then bust the ones who look like they might actually do something (especially if budgets are being discussed).

Then, there are the ones who move up their timelines, go 'dark' or 'dumb' and pull a surprise, or who are just let loose to create an incident so the agencies can expand their power.

That may seem jaded, but the feebies have lost credibility with me, especially under this administration.

[Gaffer]

IIRC, there was a case of Randy Weaver years ago during the Clinton Administration. He was approached by an acquaintance about sawing off a shotgun.

Such a simple task, I think Weaver told the guy that he could do it himself, but the guy cajoled HIM into doing it. He was a government plant, and I believe that’s one of the charges they used to help create Ruby Ridge.