ATLANTA, Nov. 2 (UPI) -- Four Georgia men were charged and arrested for allegedly participating in a militia plot against federal law enforcement agencies and others, officials said.
Federal authorities said the men were charged Tuesday with trying to buy explosives and make a deadly toxin to use in the attacks, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.
"This case demonstrates that we must also remain vigilant in protecting our country from citizens within our borders who threaten our safety and security," U.S. Attorney Sally Yates said.
The four men taken into federal custody were Frederick Thomas, 73, of Cleveland, Ga.; and Dan Roberts, 67; Ray H. Adams, 65; and Samuel J. Crump, 68, all of Toccoa.
Federal officials said Thomas, Roberts, Adams and others attended meetings during which they discussed targeting various government officials. The meetings were monitored by the FBI and secretly taped by a confidential informant, sworn affidavits unsealed Tuesday indicated.
The affidavits described Thomas as a leading speaker. He discussed having a "bucket list" of government officials, business leaders and media members who should be "taken out" to "make the country right again," the affidavits said.
Discussions also concerned getting castor beans, used to make ricin, a toxin that can be fatal if inhaled or ingested, the affidavits said.
During one meeting, Crump said he wanted to make ricin and disperse it in several U.S.cities, the affidavits said.
Adams is accused of trying to help Crump obtain ricin for use as a weapon, authorities said.
Roberts' wife, Margaret, said Tuesday she was shocked by the day's events, which included FBI agents handcuffing her as they searched the couple's home, the Journal-Constitution said.
"My husband would not hurt anybody and anybody who knows him knows he wouldn't hurt anybody," she said. "Dan has always respected the law. He's never had a problem with the law."
