Crime

Foiled Biological Attack in Georgia Allegedly Based on Online Novel

  • Four Georgia men above the age of 60 arrested for alleged plot to use biological agents against citizens, Feds
  • Apparently part of fringe militia group and based attack on online book “Absolved”
  • Book focuses on deadly federal gun raid on the wrong target and the resistance that builds from that
  • Author has called for violence in the past but responds: “I am as much to blame for the Georgia Geriatric Terrorist Gang as Tom Clancy is for Nine Eleven”

ATLANTA (The Blaze/AP) — A suspected member of a fringe north Georgia militia group intended to use the plot of an online novel as a model for plans to attack U.S. federal law officers and others, authorities said.

Georgia Terror Suspects Said to Have Based Plot on Online Novel AbsolvedCourt documents state that 73-year-old Frederick Thomas told others that he intended to model their actions on the online novel “Absolved,” which involves small groups of citizens attacking U.S. officials.

The book is the work of Mike Vanderboegh, a former militia member who made headlines in March 2010 after calling on “sons of liberty” to “break [Democrats'] windows.”

“In the days that followed, glass windows and doors were shattered at local Democratic Party offices and the district offices of House Democrats from Arizona to Kansas to New York,” reports the Washington Post.

His calls for violence garnered criticism from both the left and the right.

Venderboegh responded to the news on his blog. He called the militia “geriatric”and asked, “What does ricin have to do with ”saving the Constitution?” He also said his book, about a deadly federal gun raid on the wrong target and the resistance that builds from that, was fiction and meant as a “useful dire warning.”

“I am as much to blame for the Georgia Geriatric Terrorist Gang as Tom Clancy is for Nine Eleven,” he said.

The four suspects, who federal authorities arrested Tuesday, were expected to appear in court Wednesday.

They were part of a group that also tried to obtain an unregistered explosive device and sought out the complex formula to produce ricin, a biological toxin that can be lethal in small doses, according to a federal complaint.

The four listed in the indictment are Thomas; Dan Roberts, 67; Ray Adams, 65; and Samuel Crump, 68. The men live in the north Georgia towns of Cleveland and Toccoa.

They had been talking about “covert” operations since at least March, according to court records, discussing murder, theft and using toxic agents and assassinations to undermine the state and federal government.

At one meeting, investigators say, Thomas openly discussed creating a “bucket list” of government employees, politicians, corporate leaders and members of the media he felt needed to be “taken out.”

“I’ve been to war, and I’ve taken life before, and I can do it again,” he told an undercover investigator, according to the records.

Thomas’ wife, Charlotte, called the charges “baloney.”

“He spent 30 years in the U.S. Navy. He would not do anything against his country,” she said in a phone interview with The Associated Press.

Thomas and Roberts are accused of buying what they believed was a silencer and an unregistered explosive from an undercover informant in May and June. Prosecutors say he discussed using the weapons in attacks against federal buildings.

Prosecutors say Crump also discussed making 10 pounds of ricin and dispersing it in Atlanta and various cities across the nation, suggesting it can be blown out of a car speeding down an interstate highway. Adams, meanwhile, is accused of showing an informant the formula to make ricin and identifying the ways to obtain the ingredients.

Thomas is accused of driving to Atlanta with a confidential informant on May 24 and scoping out an IRS building there and an ATF building “to plan and assess for possible attacks,” the indictment states.

“We’d have to blow the whole building, like Timothy McVeigh,” Thomas said during the trip to Atlanta, the indictment states.

Charlotte Thomas said her husband was arrested in a restaurant in Cornelia, Ga., and federal agents were at her home when she returned from the grocery store Tuesday afternoon. She said the agents wouldn’t let her in her home.

“They tore up my house,” Charlotte Thomas said.

She said her husband doesn’t have an attorney yet.

Margaret Roberts of Toccoa said FBI agents showed up with a search warrant and went through her home, handcuffing her and taking a computer and other items. She said her husband is retired from the sign business and lives on pensions.

“He’s never been in trouble with the law. He’s not anti-government. He would never hurt anybody,” she said.

Listed numbers for the other two suspects could not be found.

Attorneys for the men were not identified, and the federal defender’s office had no immediate comment.

U.S. Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said the case is a reminder that “we must also remain vigilant in protecting our country from citizens within our own borders who threaten our safety and security.”

—

Associated Press writers Dorie Turner, Leonard Pallats and Jeff Martin contributed to this story.

Comments (79)

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  • Itchee Dryback
    Posted on November 2, 2011 at 12:15pm

    jzs
    Posted on November 2, 2011 at 11:52am

    Why no mention of the fact that Mike Vanderboegh is a FOX news contributer?
    _______________________________________________________

    And?

    Report Post »  
  • knighttemplar999
    Posted on November 2, 2011 at 12:03pm

    pumping ricin out of the car window as you speed down the highway doesn’t sound like the best of plans, maybe they should plea Alzheimer delusions.

    Report Post »  
  • jzs
    Posted on November 2, 2011 at 11:52am

    Why no mention of the fact that Mike Vanderboegh is a FOX news contributer?

    http://mediamatters.org/blog/201109280010

    Report Post » jzs  
  • grudgywoof
    Posted on November 2, 2011 at 11:28am

    Man we gotta do something about these retiree terorist attacts. How many more can we endure?

    Report Post » grudgywoof  
  • Total Lame Arse
    Posted on November 2, 2011 at 11:26am

    Goes to show you: If you make a plan to save a nation from tyranny, do it in private, not online, and don’t use “outside connections” to obtain anything, because they will always be gov’t agents. We have a legal recourse next year. Hypothetically speaking, you don’t need big bombs anyway. 99% of the vile turds who are destroying this nation have no body guards. It’s not as exciting a novel though to portray a handgun at 5 feet, or a shotgun at 10 feet.

    Report Post » Total Lame Arse  
  • caveman74
    Posted on November 2, 2011 at 11:17am

    BS These ex military grampas planned to both target the people who oppress citizens and target citizens at the same time with ricine. Just like Irans most elite clandestine service hired a used car salesmen to shoulder tap mexican drug gang members to blow up a Soudi government official in a resteraunt in America. These stories make complete sense and don’t sound fishy at all. I am sorry but people who obey the law their whole lives, serve in the military, and make it to retirement don’t just one day decide “I think I want to attack my government and murder citizens”. I would love to find out what their political bend is and what organizations they are aligned with (who wants to bet they are tea party members) This story will evaporate and we will never hear what happened.

    Report Post »  
  • Too Treaded Upon
    Posted on November 2, 2011 at 11:04am

    Oh yes, with all the honesty and integrity of our government and its officials how could anyone doubt that this story is exactly as reported. Our government would never do anything to deceive us, they’re here only for our own good. Remember these comforting words “I‘m from the government and I’m here to help.”

    Report Post »  
  • Cabbage_the_cat
    Posted on November 2, 2011 at 10:56am

    If these people were plotting an attack, hang ‘em. If they were talking about what should be done, that’s another thing entirely.

    Report Post »  
    • Wolf
      Posted on November 2, 2011 at 11:16am

      Righhhtt, Cabbage- let’s hang them for thought crimes and entrapment. Good thinking- our Founding Fathers would be proud of you.

      Report Post »  
  • Texas Cigar
    Posted on November 2, 2011 at 10:53am

    This is not about those men. This is about making Mike Vanderboegh look bad. The government wants him bad because he is one of the people who cracked wide open “Fast and Furious”/“Gunwalker” along with David Codrea months ago before anybody knew about it. There just trying to make him look like a domestic terrorist. A book made you do it? Yea and Heavy Metal makes me worship Satan…

    Report Post »  
  • Texas Cigar
    Posted on November 2, 2011 at 10:51am

    This is not about those men. This is about Mike Vanderboegh. The government wants him bad because he is one of the people who cracked wide open “Fast and Furious”/“Gunwalker” along with David Codrea months ago before anybody knew about it. There just trying to make him look like a domestic terrorist. A book made you do it? Yea and Heavy Metal makes me worship Satan…

    Report Post »  
  • toolmanss109
    Posted on November 2, 2011 at 10:47am

    50 bucks sez the “informant” set these guys up, taking advantage of their disgust at the growing Marxist dictatorship we have been forced into. It does NOT add up. An illegal ‘militia’ group would NOT target known communists yet at the same time plan to kill innocent people via spreading ricin indiscriminately. typically, what happens is a group of frustrated guys like this are infiltrated by a fed, who actually comes up with a ‘plan’ for them, helps them, supplies them, organizes them, then busts them at the right moment in order to gain maximum publicity. Until we are able to collectively rid our current dictatorship of power, you will see more and more of this. The next step will be marxist death squads organized by the dictatorship. Friends, neighbors, and acquaintances will suddenly disappear in the middle of the night. Stay armed but stay ON DEFENSE ONLY. Nobody should be making any plans to off these Reds. We will have an opportunity to end this legally. The dictator know the chance of re-election is fading. Like all Marxists, they will resort to violence, murder, and attacks on society at large.

    Report Post »  
    • Ne_FAL
      Posted on November 2, 2011 at 1:26pm

      Resistance to Tyranny by Joseph P. Martino -a primer learn from history & the mistakes of others it is not the time for armed insurrection but this book will give useful information on how to resist til things go hot. REMEMBER NO FORT SUMTERS !

      Report Post »  
  • Brents Torts
    Posted on November 2, 2011 at 10:41am

    They’re wagging the dog again.

    Report Post » Brents Torts  
  • freedomweiner
    Posted on November 2, 2011 at 10:37am

    Another puppet show for the “COMMON PEOPLE”.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=peX4dBEF0Vg

    Report Post »  
    • Vechorik
      Posted on November 2, 2011 at 11:03am

      What a wonderful poem — sad, but true and so well spoken.
      Thanks for posting that. I particularly liked the part about
      “you vote your parties, but they are the same”

      Report Post »  
    • Vechorik
      Posted on November 2, 2011 at 11:07am

      The Banker

      Hello, my name is Montague William 3rd
      And what I will tell you may well sound absurd
      But the less who believe it the better for me
      For you see I’m in Banking and big industry

      For many a year we have controlled your lives
      While you all just struggle and suffer in strife
      We created the things that you don’t really need
      Your sports cars and Fashions and Plasma TV’s

      I remember it clearly how all this begun
      Family secrets from Father to Son
      Inherited knowledge that gives me the edge
      While you peasants, people lie sleeping at night in your beds

      We control the money that controls your lives
      Whilst you worship false idols and wouldn’t think twice
      Of selling your souls for a place in the sun
      These things that won’t matter when your time is done

      But as long as they’re there to control the masses
      I just sit back and consider my assets
      Safe in the knowledge that I have it all
      While you common people are losing your jobs

      You see I just hold you in utter contempt
      But the smile on my face well it makes me exempt
      For I have the weapon of global TV
      Which gives us connection and invites empathy

      You would really believe that we look out for you
      While we Bankers and Brokers are only a few
      But if you saw that then you’d take back the power
      Hence daily terrors to make you all cower

      The Panics the crashes the wars and the illness
      That keep you from finding your Spiritual Wholeness
      We rig the game and we buy out both sides
      To keep yo

      Report Post »  
    • Vechorik
      Posted on November 2, 2011 at 11:08am

      So go out and work as your body clock fades
      And when it’s all over a few years from the grave
      You‘ll look back on all this and just then you’ll see
      That your life was nothing, a mere fantasy

      There are very few things that we don’t now control
      To have Lawyers and Police Force was always a goal
      Doing our bidding as you march on the street
      But they never realise they’re only just sheep

      For real power resides in the hands of a few
      You voted for parties what more could you do
      But what you don‘t know is they’re one and the same
      Old Gordon has passed good old David the reigns

      And you’ll follow the leader who was put there by you
      But your blood it runs red while our blood runs blue
      But you simply don’t see its all part of the game
      Another distraction like money and fame

      Get ready for wars in the name of the free
      Vaccinations for illness that will never be
      The assault on your children’s impressionable minds
      And a micro chipped world, you’ll put up no fight

      Information suppression will keep you in toe
      Depopulation of peasants was always our goal
      But eugenics was not what we hoped it would be
      Oh yes it was us that funded Nazis!

      But as long as we own all the media too
      What’s really happening does not concern you
      So just go on watching your plasma TV
      And the world will be run by the ones you can’t see

      Written By Craig-James Moncur
      16/10/2009

      Report Post »  
  • PubliusPencilman
    Posted on November 2, 2011 at 10:25am

    Hmmm… I notice that none of you are interpreting these acts according to the perpetrators’ race of religion… Could it be that there is a double standard on The Blaze?

    Report Post »  
    • Veritas Libertas
      Posted on November 2, 2011 at 10:59am

      What do you mean? Are you implying that all Muslims are terrorists?

      Report Post »  
    • bboatmanable
      Posted on November 2, 2011 at 11:06am

      I’ll say that they were probably white, “republican” (conservative), and maybe even Christian men. The difference between that group and muslims is that this is ONE ignorant attempt to achieve results through the wrong means…..versus just about every other attack in recent history being attempted by young muslim men. If you look hard enough you can find idiots anywhere, the problem is Muslims, primarily from the Middle East have a suprlus of said idiots. So, your “accusation” holds no water.

      Report Post » bboatmanable  
  • constitutionaldirective
    Posted on November 2, 2011 at 10:05am

    Silencer?? they must mean SUPPRESSOR.. BTW.. COMPLETELY LEGAL IN Georgia! 8O!! .. ricing.. not so murch!

    Report Post » constitutionaldirective  
  • COFemale
    Posted on November 2, 2011 at 10:04am

    Just because they are older does not mean they aren’t dangerous. Like all wives they are the last to know. You can’t tell me that they did not pick up bits and pieces of conversation and though something was off. I know many military personal who have left the services because of the recent changes in policy. They are thoroughly disgusted. I don’t think they would do something like this, but I can’t discount it either. You never know what can drive a person over the edge and feel they need to take matter’s into their own hands.

    I am thankful they were caught, as my daughter and family live outside Atlanta; not to mention all the innocent lives that would be lost from their idiotic plan.

    Report Post » COFemale  
    • constitutionaldirective
      Posted on November 2, 2011 at 10:07am

      Tried, convected,, HANG’EM!!!..

      I HATE these clowns even exist.. but can we TRY NOT to hang them BEFORE we CONVICT them??

      Report Post » constitutionaldirective  
    • EgoBrain
      Posted on November 2, 2011 at 10:08am

      Go to Topix and look at the message boards for the areas up here. You’ll pick out soon enough, there’s some very scary people up here.
      I don’t doubt this story.

      Report Post » EgoBrain  
    • KangarooJack
      Posted on November 2, 2011 at 11:38am

      Not to mention it might have messed up my ‘The Walking Dead’ filming!!!!!

      Report Post » KangarooJack  
    • Wolf
      Posted on November 2, 2011 at 8:07pm

      Cofe- maybe you should hire some TSA thugs to kep an eye on your daughter. And while you’re hanging up your rights, why don’t you help Uncle Turd with setting up more sting operations. I’m sure he can use your compliant mind more than freedom lovers can.

      Report Post »  
  • momrules
    Posted on November 2, 2011 at 10:00am

    I would sure like to see how this plays out before trusting anything the federal government says.
    Remember Border Patrol Agent Diaz is now in prison thanks to the trumped up charges.

    Report Post »  
    • drago
      Posted on November 2, 2011 at 10:16am

      @Momrules
      I agree, one side of a story, does not a whole story make. I would bet a buck that they will be accused of being Tea Party members, and far right wing zealots…….I think ill hide and watch before passing judgement.If they truely were planning to kill people, then they should at the very least, spend their last days in prison….

      Report Post »  
    • Vechorik
      Posted on November 2, 2011 at 10:48am

      I can’t find the YouTube, but Judge Napolitano was talking about “sting operations” Where the Feds find someone and stark talking JUNK to them, actually convince them to do something stupid, then arrest them.

      Like terrorism, only THREE people were independent and civilians caught them (like boarding plane with explosive in shoes). TWENTY other cases were “stings” that the Feds set up. This sounds like such a sting. = Stupid people being conned by the Feds.

      Report Post »  
  • six6six
    Posted on November 2, 2011 at 9:46am

    The American Taliban is rising.

    Report Post »  
  • Mandors
    Posted on November 2, 2011 at 9:45am

    Another cooked up entrapment to sell the demented idea that terrorists come in all shapes and sizes. I don’t think a bunch of old white vets are the real threat to this country. We all know what that really is.

    Report Post » Mandors  
    • EgoBrain
      Posted on November 2, 2011 at 9:58am

      I live up here. Take a look at the local message boards for the area, and you’ll rethink that statement.
      Crazy is alive and well, up here.

      Report Post » EgoBrain  
  • starman70
    Posted on November 2, 2011 at 9:44am

    It’s bad when the geriatric mafia is so disgusted with Obama and his Chicago Mob that they have to resort to this.

    America, it is time to wake up and restore the Constitution as our guidelines instead of government by presidential edict and bureaucratic action.

    CLEAN HOUSE IN 2012!!

    Report Post »  
  • RLTW
    Posted on November 2, 2011 at 9:42am

    The men smart enough to do violence are intelligent enough to know it’s only a last resort based on self-protection/family.

    These men are not political patriots, just sociopaths.

    Report Post »  
  • Dismayed Veteran
    Posted on November 2, 2011 at 9:40am

    Whenever we write about our 2nd Ammendment rights and our willingness to use firearms to protect the Constitution, we lumped with crazy idiots like these 4 guys. Let’s all of use stay sane and not take those next few steps into preemptive violence.

    Report Post » Dismayed Veteran  
  • ares338
    Posted on November 2, 2011 at 9:40am

    Sure…spend a fortune on 4 old farts but leave socialists/Marist to have their way!

    Report Post » ares338  
  • grudgywoof
    Posted on November 2, 2011 at 9:36am

    Sounds like another phony balony government op to scare the tea party. I’m not scared, I‘m pissed off at this facist government that’s taken over my country. Hey DOJ I’m not scared of you or you either Mr. Holder.
    When we vote this sickness out of the white house you will be gone and I hope in jail.

    Report Post » grudgywoof  
  • VISITORNUMBER3
    Posted on November 2, 2011 at 9:34am

    Sounds like a bunch of really bored old men, frustrated with where their country is headed and getting caught up in a bunch of foolish talk that’s landed them in trouble…sad, really.

    Report Post » VISITORNUMBER3  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on November 2, 2011 at 9:58am

      Agreed.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • jackal
      Posted on November 2, 2011 at 10:12am

      Was my thought also.They probably all started as talk then a couple of message boards then a gubermment offical saw the message board and became involved.I would bet at that point the government started facilating the idael to see how far it would go,like the ride with the informent to the IRS building? just saying.

      Report Post »  
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