On Mar 29, 7:08*am, hk wrote:
March 29, 2010 *http://detnews.com/article/20100329/METRO/3290334

Militia members arrested in Sun. raid to be charged today

At least seven were taken into custody in raids by an FBI-led Joint
Terrorism Task Force in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio

JENNIFER CHAMBERS AND DOUG GUTHRIE
The Detroit News

Federal prosecutors plan to unseal charges today against members of a
self-described Christian militia arrested Saturday and Sunday in
Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois.

At least seven people were taken into custody in raids by an FBI-led
Joint Terrorism Task Force as part of an investigation into an
Adrian-based unit of the Hutaree, a group that professes it is training
in modern armed combat techniques for a prophesized coming battle with
the Antichrist.

The suspects are expected to make an initial appearance in U.S. District
Court in Detroit today, according to federal authorities, who declined
to discuss the charges behind the multistate arrests.

"Jesus wanted us to be ready to defend ourselves using the sword and
stay alive using equipment ...," one of the group's purported leaders
wrote on its Web site. "We, the Hutaree, are prepared to defend all
those who belong to Christ and save those who aren't. We will still
spread the word, and fight to keep it, up to the time of the great coming.."

The group's insignia, worn as a patch on military camouflage uniforms,
is a cross-shaped sword and the letters CCR for Colonial Christian
Republic. The Hutaree Web site features links to conservative Christian
news outlets along with photos and videos of combat training sessions
under the banner, "Preparing for the end time battles to keep the
testimony of Jesus Christ alive."

U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade said in Detroit on Sunday, "There is law
enforcement activity in progress, but I decline further comment because
I don't want to adversely affect its effectiveness."

Detroit FBI Special Agent Sandra Berchtold said warrants in the case are
under court seal and declined further comment.

'Too extreme'

A member of the controversial Michigan Militia said Sunday that the
Hutaree is a nationwide organization with an ardent following in Adrian,
10 miles from the Ohio border just west of Detroit. "Their philosophy
and ours differ in many ways, so we don't do a whole lot with them. They
are too extreme or radical for us," said Jim Gulliksen, coordinator of
the Lenaway Volunteer Michigan Militia with membership of about a dozen
in the Adrian area. "I just kind of got a bad feeling about the group
and we did not want to associate with them. They are a little too
paranoid for me."

Mike Lackomar of Michiganmilitia.com said he heard from other militia
members that the FBI targeted the Hutaree after its members made threats
of violence against Islamic organizations. Lackomar said the members of
the Southeast Michigan Volunteer Militia and Michiganmilitia.com weren't
arrested.

"Last night and into today (Sunday), the FBI conducted a raid against
homes belonging to the Hutaree. They are a religious cult. They are not
part of our militia community," Lackomar said.

Lackomar said he was told there were five arrests Saturday and another
five early Sunday. The FBI declined to comment.

One of the Hutaree members called a Michigan militia leader for
assistance Saturday after federal agents already had began their raid,
Lackomar said, but the militia member -- who is of Islamic decent and
had heard about the threats -- declined to offer help. That Michigan
militia leader is now working with federal officials to provide
information on the Hutaree member for the investigation, Lackomar said
Sunday.

"They are more of a survivalist group, and in an emergency, they
withdraw and stand their ground. They are actively training to be
alongside Jesus," he said.

Gulliksen said he heard about the raids when he was in church Sunday
morning. He immediately contacted local law enforcement, "to make sure
they knew we weren't really affiliated with Hutaree."

Gulliksen said he believes national security tensions are high and the
FBI may well be focusing on conservative groups because of anger over
the federal overhaul of health care.

"A few months ago, I believe one of their (Hutaree) members down South
was arrested on some sort of weapons charge," Gulliksen said.
"Everything is getting a little nervous right now with all the threats
against congressmen and all."

Law enforcement swarmed a rural, wooded property Saturday evening near
Adrian, neighbors said. Two ramshackle trailers sat side-by-side on the
property, the door to one slightly ajar late Sunday, as if it had been
forced open.

Phyllis Brugger, who has lived in the area for more than 30 years, said
some people who lived there were known as having ties to militia. They
would shoot guns and often wore camouflage, according to Brugger and her
daughter, Heidi Wood.

"Everybody knew they were militia," Brugger said. "You don't mess with
them."

About a month ago, 50 vehicles showed up on the property, and the women
said neighbors assumed something bad was going on.

The leader of the local group, Gulliksen said, is a man who goes by RD
Merzonik on the group's Web site.

"I've met him. He's an opinionated man who likes to share those
opinions," Gulliksen said. "The Hutaree is a nationwide group, but I
have met a couple of the members here and I can say they all belong to
one specific church. Our concern is the protection of our nation.
Religion appears to be a big part of what they are doing."

Muslims shocked

Hutaree members use nicknames sometimes linked to their rank, within an
elaborate system for Hutaree soldiers that includes titles such as
"Radok, Boramander, Zulif, Arkon, Rifleman and Lukmore." A parable for
commanders suggests, "You may be a leader of flesh but in heaven,
leaders are of spirit."

Sources from the Michigan militia community said one of the FBI raids
took place Saturday during a wake for a Hutaree member who had died of
natural causes. A Hutaree leader was arrested during the wake while
agents were conducting raids.

Dawud Walid, executive director of the Council on Islamic-American
Relations of Michigan, made an announcement Sunday during the group's
anniversary banquet about receiving a call from a journalist about the
alleged threat against Muslims.

"Don't allow this news to scare you away from practicing your faith,"
Walid said.

Gasps were heard throughout the banquet hall when the news was
announced. Walid said he will call local authorities about more
information on the allegations. He urged local Muslims to recommit
themselves to their faith in light of the accusations.

The Southern Poverty Law Center recently reported a resurgence in
politically motivated militias, which emerged in the 1980s under
perceived threats to conservative rights and conspiracies about a United
Nations takeover when President George H.W. Bush spoke of a "New World
Order."

Militia groups came into the national spotlight in 1995, after the
bombing of the federal building in Oklahoma City. Michigan native Terry
Nichols and Timothy McVeigh were convicted in the bombing, which killed
168 people. Nichols and McVeigh attended Michigan Militia events, a
group which believes citizens have constitutional authority to organized
an armed force. The Michigan militia denied Nichols and McVeigh were
members.

Militia popularity declined during the administration of President
George W. Bush, but the Southern Poverty Law Center claims the number of
groups espousing anti-government doctrines and political conspiracy
theories is again rising with anxiety over a perceived liberal agenda of
President Barack Obama. The report identified 512 groups throughout the
country, including 47 in Michigan, second to Texas, with 52.

***

"Jesus wanted us to be ready to defend ourselves using the sword and
stay alive using equipment ...," one of the group's purported leaders
wrote on its Web site.

I wonder if Jesus called on his cell phone? Maybe Sarah Palin will speak
on behalf of these nutcases at their bail hearing.

--
Conservatives - just pretend Obama's health care legislation is another
unnecessary war and you'll feel better about it.

Herr Krause. Are you ready to stand in line now?

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