4 Senior Citizens Busted in Plot to Attack Atlanta

Militia members aimed to use guns, bombs, ricin to kill officials, citizens: authorities
By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 2, 2011 12:56 AM CDT
Updated Nov 2, 2011 4:00 AM CDT
4 Georgia Militiamen Busted in Terror Plot
US Attorney Sally Quillian Yates   (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Four members of a renegade Georgia militia have been busted in a plot—which they reportedly shared with an FBI informant—to use guns, bombs, and a toxin to kill government officials and citizens. One of the men, who are all over the age of 65, discussed a plan to spew the deadly toxin ricin in Atlanta and other cities, and along interstate highways, reports the New York Times. “There is no way for us, as militiamen, to save this country, to save Georgia, without doing something that’s highly, highly illegal: murder,” another suspect was recorded saying. “When it comes time to saving the Constitution, that means some people have got to die."

US Attorney Sally Quillian Yates warned that despite America's focus on international terrorism, the nation must also "remain vigilant in protecting our country from citizens within our own borders who threaten our safety and security.” The busted crew aimed to kill federal judges, IRS workers, and ATF agents, according to court documents. (More Sally Quillian Yates stories.)

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