5 “anarchists” (provocateurs) nabbed (Entrapped) in plot to blow up Ohio bridge
May 1, 2012 by Jack Blood
Filed under Americas
Just in time for May Day…
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By Establo-Shill Pete Williams
Federal agents have arrested five people who were plotting to blow up a bridge near Cleveland, Ohio, an incident not connected to the anniversary of former al-Qaida chief Osama bin Laden’s death, officials say.
Douglas L. Wright, 26, Brandon L. Baxter, 20, and Anthony Hayne, 35, were arrested by members of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force on April 30 on charges of conspiracy and attempted use of explosive materials to damage physical property affecting interstate commerce. Also arrested were Connor C. Stevens, 20, and Joshua S. Stafford, 23.
The five were “controlled by an undercover FBI employee,” and agents had them under extensive surveillance for a long period of time. The explosives they allegedly purchased were inoperable.
Federal officials say Wright, Baxter and Hayne describe themselves as anarchists who considered a series of evolving plots over several months.
At first, they planned to set off smoke grenades to distract police so they could knock over signs on high-rise buildings downtown. As the other two came into the plot, they started talking about using explosives.
Federal agents say they discussed various targets around town, finally settling on the Route 82 Brecksville-Northfield High Level Bridge as their target. This bridge crosses from Brecksville, Ohio to Sagamore Hills, Ohio over the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
The five eventually obtained what they thought were explosives, but the materials were inert, provided by undercover operatives. The group was closely monitored the entire time by the FBI.
“The complaint in this case alleges that the defendants took specific and defined actions to further a terrorist plot,” said U.S. Attorney Steven Dettelbach. “The defendants stand charged based not upon any words or beliefs they might espouse, but based upon their own plans and actions.”
This story is developing. Please check back for more details.
