Posted on 04/02/2010 6:54:58 AM PDT by artichokegrower
WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal intelligence note is warning police that an anti-government group's call to remove dozens of sitting governors may encourage others to act out violently.
A group that calls itself the Guardians of the free Republics wants to "restore America" by peacefully dismantling parts of the government, according to its Web site.
As of Wednesday, more than 30 governors had received letters demanding they leave office within three days or they will be removed, according to an internal intelligence note by the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security, which was obtained by The Associated Press.
Investigators do not see threats of violence in the group's message, but fear the broad call for removing top state officials could inspire others to act out violently.
Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal were among those receiving the letter.
Granholm spokeswoman Liz Boyd said federal authorities had alerted the governor that such a letter might be coming, and it arrived Monday or Tuesday. Boyd, who described the letter as "non-threatening," said it was opened by a staffer and immediately turned over to the Michigan State Police.
Jindal's office confirmed the governor had received a letter from the Guardians of the free Republics and directed all further questions to the Louisiana State Police.
"They called us as they do for any letter that's out of the norm," said.
Lt. Doug Cain, a state police spokesman.
He declined to provide specifics about the letter, but said, "not knowing the group and the information contained in the letter warranted state police to review it." Cain said the letter has gone to numerous governors across the country.
The FBI warning comes at a time of heightened attention to far-right extremist groups after the arrest of nine Christian militia members last weekend accused of plotting violence.
In explaining the letters sent to the governors, the intelligence note says officials have no specific knowledge of plans to use violence, but they caution police to be aware in case other individuals interpret the letters "as a justification for violence or other criminal actions."
The FBI associated the letter with "sovereign citizens," most of whom believe they are free from all duties of a U.S. citizen, like paying taxes or needing a government license to drive. A small number of these people are armed and resort to violence, according to the intelligence report.
Last weekend, the FBI conducted raids on suspected members of a Christian militia in the Midwest that was allegedly planning to kill police officers. In the past year, federal agents have seen an increase in "chatter" from an array of domestic extremist groups, which can include radical self-styled militias, white separatists or extreme civil libertarians and sovereign citizens.
from the group’s website...
The Restore America Plan
The Restore America Plan is a bold achievable strategy for behind-the-scenes peaceful reconstruction of the de jure institutions of government without controversy, violence or civil war.
Now it appears that peaceably petitioning the government for redress is a crime.
The internet is a dangerous place.....
Head's up, gentlemen! I can see some weasely liberal reporter trying to make some sort of ridiculous connection here.
They have my support
Normal for a fascist state.
“”restore America” by peacefully dismantling parts of the government, according to its Web site.”
Yep, pretty scary stuff.
If you have a group that peacefully opposes the marxist policies of 0bamao or the growth of Big Brother Government, then you are a threat and will be investigated by Big Sis Janet Incompetano.
No, no, no. Christian Militia. Christian Christian Christian Militia. Every time. Christian = Violence. Christian = Taliban.
Cowards fight the enemy that is the lowest threat.
federal agents have seen an increase in “chatter” from an array of domestic extremist groups, which can include radical self-styled militias, white separatists or extreme civil libertarians and sovereign citizens.
The good the bad and the ugly all rolled into ONE! How quaint, how convenient, how dastardly.
I just flashed back to the 60’s and it seems that there were 6 killed by the National Guard at Kent state.
“FBI warns that speaking out peacefully might result in violence”.
Not clear from whom and to whom, is it? But it’s a warning nonetheless.
“Cut” government spending. That sounds pretty violent!!!!!!!!!! If I were a fat, lazy FBI bureaucrat, I’d be horrified too.
most of whom believe they are free from all duties of a U.S. citizen, like paying taxes or needing a government license to drive.
Sounds to me like they are warning everybody about CONGRESS
Thanks. No calls yet :-)
:
So we know these letters were NOT sent by Islamic terrorists, for had they been, the story would NOT have been reported!!
“Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are ruined...The great object is that every man be armed. Everyone who is able might have a gun.”
-Patrick Henry.
Actually, it was 4 killed, with several more wounded.
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