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US soldiers 'plotted to kill Obama'
Date August 29, 2012 - 9:03AM
Nick Allen in Los Angeles
Assassination plot ... Barack Obama. Photo: AFP
A group of American soldiers formed an anarchist militia and spent $US87,000 ($83,922) on weapons in an elaborate plot to overthrow the government and ultimately assassinate the president, a court heard.
The soldiers allegedly made themselves into a group called FEAR, standing for Forever Enduring Always Ready, and bought land in Washington state from which to launch attacks.
They were said to have planned to blow up a dam and poison apple crops in Washington state, bomb a park in Savannah, Georgia, attack vehicles belonging to Department of Homeland Security employees, and take over an ammunition control point at the sprawling Fort Stewart army base in Georgia.
Prosecutors said its long-term goal was revolution; bringing down the US government and killing President Barack Obama. It is not known over what period of time this alleged plot would have taken place.
Details of the militia emerged during civilian court proceedings in Georgia in which three soldiers have been charged with murder.
Pte Isaac Aguigui, who was identified as the founder and leader of FEAR, Sgt Anthony Peden, and Pte Christopher Salmon, are charged over the deaths of a former soldier, Michael Roark, 19, and his girlfriend Tiffany York, 17.
The victims were allegedly killed in woodland in Georgia last December, to keep the militia's existence secret.
A fourth defendant in the case, Pte Michael Burnett, 26, admitted two counts of manslaughter on Monday. He is co-operating with prosecutors in a deal which will see him avoid a possible death sentence.
Burnett told the court Pte Aguigui introduced him to "the manuscript", which was "a book about true patriots", and that the militia aimed "to give the government back to the people".
Prosecutors said militia members wore anarchist tattoos and it was unknown how many members there were. The court heard that Pte Aguigui funded the group using $US500,000 in insurance money and benefit payments he received after the death of his pregnant wife a year ago. He was said to have recruited members through the US army.
Prosecutor Isabel Pauley said the militia "possessed the knowledge, means and motive to carry out their plans".
The Daily Telegraph, London
Read more: http://www.theage.co...l#ixzz24xQvTFrA
Date August 29, 2012 - 9:03AM
Nick Allen in Los Angeles
Assassination plot ... Barack Obama. Photo: AFP
A group of American soldiers formed an anarchist militia and spent $US87,000 ($83,922) on weapons in an elaborate plot to overthrow the government and ultimately assassinate the president, a court heard.
The soldiers allegedly made themselves into a group called FEAR, standing for Forever Enduring Always Ready, and bought land in Washington state from which to launch attacks.
They were said to have planned to blow up a dam and poison apple crops in Washington state, bomb a park in Savannah, Georgia, attack vehicles belonging to Department of Homeland Security employees, and take over an ammunition control point at the sprawling Fort Stewart army base in Georgia.
Prosecutors said its long-term goal was revolution; bringing down the US government and killing President Barack Obama. It is not known over what period of time this alleged plot would have taken place.
Details of the militia emerged during civilian court proceedings in Georgia in which three soldiers have been charged with murder.
Pte Isaac Aguigui, who was identified as the founder and leader of FEAR, Sgt Anthony Peden, and Pte Christopher Salmon, are charged over the deaths of a former soldier, Michael Roark, 19, and his girlfriend Tiffany York, 17.
The victims were allegedly killed in woodland in Georgia last December, to keep the militia's existence secret.
A fourth defendant in the case, Pte Michael Burnett, 26, admitted two counts of manslaughter on Monday. He is co-operating with prosecutors in a deal which will see him avoid a possible death sentence.
Burnett told the court Pte Aguigui introduced him to "the manuscript", which was "a book about true patriots", and that the militia aimed "to give the government back to the people".
Prosecutors said militia members wore anarchist tattoos and it was unknown how many members there were. The court heard that Pte Aguigui funded the group using $US500,000 in insurance money and benefit payments he received after the death of his pregnant wife a year ago. He was said to have recruited members through the US army.
Prosecutor Isabel Pauley said the militia "possessed the knowledge, means and motive to carry out their plans".
The Daily Telegraph, London
Read more: http://www.theage.co...l#ixzz24xQvTFrA
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