U.S. Soldiers Allegedly Plotted to Kill Obama, Overthrow the Government

Prosecutors in Georgia allege that a group of current and former U.S. military service members created an anarchist militia group that plotted a number of anti-government attacks aimed at assassinating President Barack Obama and overthrowing the government. What’s more, according to prosecutors, four Army members of the group killed a former comrade and his teenaged girlfriend in order to keep the whole operation a secret.

The militia members called the group F.E.A.R.—Forever Enduring Always Ready—and were said to have spent tens of thousands of dollars stockpiling weapons and ammunition. It’s unknown exactly how many members were in the group.

—Posted by Tracy Bloom.

The Associated Press:

Prosecutors in rural Long County, near the sprawling Army post Fort Stewart, said the militia group of active and former U.S. military members spent at least $87,000 buying guns and bomb components. They allege the group was serious enough to kill two people — former soldier Michael Roark and his 17-year-old girlfriend, Tiffany York — by shooting them in the woods last December in order to keep its plans secret.

“This domestic terrorist organization did not simply plan and talk,” prosecutor Isabel Pauley told a Superior Court judge. “Prior to the murders in this case, the group took action. Evidence shows the group possessed the knowledge, means and motive to carry out their plans.”

One of the Fort Stewart soldiers charged in the case, Pfc. Michael Burnett, also gave testimony that backed up many of the assertions made by prosecutors. The 26-year-old soldier pleaded guilty Monday to manslaughter, illegal gang activity and other charges. He made a deal to cooperate with prosecutors against the three other soldiers.

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AP/Lewis Levine

Pfc. Michael Burnett, right, and Pvt. Christopher Salmon, who have been accused of killing two people and are alleged to be members of an anarchist militia group that planned to overthrow the government, are led away in handcuffs after appearing before a judge in Georgia last year.