FBI Has Been Tracking "Lone Wolf" Extremists Since Late Last Year

Wall Street Journal:

The recent killings of a U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum guard and a Kansas abortion doctor came a few months after the Federal Bureau of Investigation stepped up efforts to pre-empt violence committed by just such political extremists working alone.

Read the whole story: Wall Street Journal

Comments

[hey0there]

you guys do realize right, that they are using the term "lone wolf" only so you get a good feeling about their surveillance of everybody. You think they are targeting a certain kind of person, a "lone wolf", so you think you aren't being watched..

but, i mean its stupid, this guy wasnt a "loner" in any way. from what ive read he had no trouble telling anyone what he thought and he also said on many occasions about how he wanted to hurt somebody.

but no, the FBI wants to give you this picture that this was some single person who kept to himself then exploded into violence at the last moment.. because then you'll feel more comfortable with them prying into everyone's lives to spot "patterns"

dumb sheep.

[Weirdwriter]

Please with yourself, are ya? That makes one person.

[Mary De Angelis]

This is a feelgood announcement meant to take our eyes off the FBIs abject failure to do their job.
They had warning of 9/11, more than one. They were warned about Roeder and told the clinics had proof on tape. They knew or should have known about Von Brunn, he published books and had a website. He was a well known crazy who made plenty of threats. The FBI did not need its wiretapping capability to find these guys. They knew.
And now that they have got the complete extent of their failure, they obfuscate with the FBI put a program in place two weeks before the proverbial hit the fan. The government thinks we are stupid. They think they can out think us. They are wrong.

[ohiomark]

How can these people be considered "lone wolves" if they no abilty to think for themselves because Fox News is pulling their strings for them?

Oh yeah, this guy hated Fox News as well as Bush and McCain.

http://frontpagemag.com/readArticle.aspx?ARTID=35192

[rich misty]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2141655/posts

Why is his material on Freerepublic, a well know Conservative Republican site where regulars here go for opposition research?

[ohiomark]

He's part of the opposition for conservatives.

[ConfuciusSay-]

http://www.adl.org/main_Extremism/von_brunn_background.htm

[engineerndng]

This will anger a lot of liberals who want to paint this guy as "right-wing" or "conservative", but his short list of potential targets included the Weekly Standard and Fox News. I wonder if Olbermann will mention this, or just blame it on Rush Limbaugh?

[ohiomark]

Those kind of "facts" don't interst the MSM, it doesn't fit their template.

[hamchunk]

Nor is the MSM likely to mention he is a registered Democrat in Maryland.

[engineerndng]

This guy hates Biiill-O', Neoo-conns, and thinks BBushh was behind nihne-eleviin. (sorry, trying to be Mod-aware)

Sounds like this guy was closer to Rooosie Oh'Donnelll than Elizzabeath Ha$$elback.

[rich misty]

I notice your complete lack of documentation immediately.

http://www.examiner.com/x-4317-Denver-Roman-Catholic-Examiner~y2009m6d9-Pastor-who-prayed-for-Tillers-death-now-prays-for-death-of-the-president

Pastor Drake was a Prayer Warrior for Operation Rescue

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GeXVKb2hbM

He is now praying for the death of the President of the United States of America.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2141655/posts von Brunn on Freerepublic

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x164225

This video has been scrubbed from Fox's site ^ please guess why.

[rich misty]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2141655/posts von Brunn on Freerepublic

BTW, Freerepublic is a well known Conservati­ve/Republi­can site where we go for opposition research. Low and behold, there is our perp.

[engineerndng]

http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0609/Weekly_Standard_may_have_been_shooter_target.html?showall

citing my source, not that anyone cares to read it and attempt to think independantly.

[rich misty]

You do know that Politico is a horn for Rarl Kove.

[Weirdwriter]

Read it. And?

You'd make a more credible case if you didn't assume those who disagree with you are simply narrow-minded idiots who don't think "independe­ntly."

[We-Are-The-Ones]

The guy could have been targetting Fox News and the Weekly Standard because he realized he had been played and lied to by them.

It is perfectly logical that the monsters Fox is creating will turn on them. It is only a matter of time.

[engineerndng]

You should be sure to warm up before streaching like that, wouldn't want to pull something.

[ConfuciusSay-]

Debunked by the FBI. You are quoting Fox, which made up a "list" that did not exist. Search NPR website for the rebuttal of this lie.

"After the war ended, Von Brunn became a copywriter at a New York advertising agency. It was in the post-war years that he developed his extremist views and began associating with a variety of prominent right-wing extremists and anti-Semites. "
http://www.adl.org/main__Extremism/von_brunn_background.htm?Multi_page_sections=sHeading_5

[rich misty]

toadicux: Misty, I hope your getting paid for pushing the DHS line.
-----------

This is bigger than just a hateful denial of the report from Republicans. There are American bodies.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/14/opinion/14rich.html?_r=1

The Obama Haters' Silent Enablers

http://www.mediamatters.com/columns/200906120037

Right-Wing Media And The Fringe: A Growing History Of Violence (And Denial)

[akira]

so where is your outrage at the recruiter shooter??? oh, no, right, he was an oppressed minority and we do not want to offend Muslims...

[TJCole]

Oh God I hope their not tracking anyone else then, if so there could be a massacre..­..!

They should stick to what they do best, violating the Constituti­on...

[rich misty]

toadicux: Many Republicans are just now waking up to that fact.
------------

Most political parties would have figured out they lost the election when the results came in....

[faretheewell]

As a Marylander, I have to say I'm really sorry that the state government that I support with my tax dollars is unable to prevent someone like this from perpetrating this crime. I apologize to the family, and express my most heartfelt condolences. This is a horrific tragedy that has been perpetrated by a trulyl mentally ill person.

[Lyr]

The sad truth is law enforcement is rarely useful for anythign beyond clean up after the crime has taken place. It's just the nature of things, they can't always get there before the bad stuff is already done.

[robXdion]

They couldn't track this old man for a year and prevent his actions? CYA. Maybe they would've been more concerned if his name was Ahmed?

[hamchunk]

This may be an abstract point but, damn, this guy is 88 years old, goes on a rampage, gets shot and is expected to survive. I know some people 20 years his junior and they can't get around as well. What did his food diet/ exercise regimen consist of?

[robXdion]

That's some hellified Metamucil, I guess. Sounds like 'Super Dave' went rogue after all these years.

[wariscoming]

although the topic is very serious that was funny.

[gcallaghan]

The FBI is tracking these loons? How about they act to stop them, maybe? Tracking them until they flip out prevents nothing. and the argument can me made that it adds to the body count.

Come up with some constitutional way to bring the worst of them in for questioning and perhaps evaluating and rating their mental state before they snuff out ordinary Americans.

[ohiomark]

That's a good idea, but that sounds alot like a "pre-emptive strike" and liberals don't approve of that tactic. They would rather wait until we are hit to take action.

[Weirdwriter]

A slight correction: Liberals (and many real conservatives, I might add) would prefer that there be actual evidence before taking action.

[Enid]

They should have tortured his wife and family too find out his plan.
Or they could of water boarded him to confess before he did it.

[Lyr]

This is a Nation of laws, everyone is entitled to due process. Even people who say nasty things you don't agree with. Please we do not want to back slide into the Bush years.

[akira]

like what? surveillance? wiretaps? big brotherism?

bring the worst of them in for questioning and perhaps evaluating and rating their mental state before they snuff out ordinary Americans.

Ok, give me your address, and I will sent the feds your way...

[Rondo]

When will the so called churches these groups and individuals attend excommunicate these wolves in sheep's clothing?

When is the media going to wake up and call this confederacy of anger what it is, the hate generation?

Time for the FBI to act 21st Century and nail these _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.

[JulieSA]

Von Brunn hates christians and Muhammad is a Muslim.

[MisterHands]

But he loved Tea Parties, a recurring theme among American te.rrorist­.

Scott Roeder is linked, to the Freemen, a group that rejected federal authority and the banking system, and to people who believe that the k.i!!ing of abortion providers was justified by the abortions it prevented. And a Kansas group known as the Patriot Movement, a citizens" militia against taxes.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/02/us/02tiller.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&ref=todayspaper

Lindsey Roeder on her husband:

"First it was taxes -- he stopped paying. Then he turned to the church and got involved in anti-abort­ion"..."He wanted a scapegoat.­"

http://www.alternet.org/rss/4/58291

TeaBagger Arrested for Twittering Tea Party Death Threats

"START THE K I L LING NOW! I am willing to be the FIRST D E ATH!," read a tweet at 8:01 PM that day. "After I am k i ll ed on the Capitol Steps, like a REAL man, the rest of you will REMEMBER ME!!!," he added five minutes later. Then: "Send the cops around. I will cut their heads off the heads and throw the[m] on the State Capitol steps."

http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2009/04/twitterraid/
http://www.drudge.com/news/120352/fbi-arrests-oklahoma-man-twitter-threats
http://thinkprogress.org/2009/04/29/obama-tea-baggers-games/

[Badfickle]

von Brunn was an Atheist. You might want to look at your own prejudices.

[HPdevotee]

You are misinformed. Von Brunn was not an atheist.

[susanthe]

If the FBI really is tracking these people, they're doing a piss poor job.

[MisterHands]

And you're surprised?

[jsgaetano]

It's impossible to watch every Conservative. They are all potentials.

[akira]

you fit the "single-issue", obsessiveness with opposing political views" "rantings against political opponents", and "utter disregard for reality" that are indices for classifying "lone wolves" I say you better watch your back and run if you see a black helicopter nearby....­they may be coming out for YOU!

[ThomasMc]

They should have several dozen investigating Fox News hosts.

[rich misty]

ChunkB: Ranting, illogical and hate filled loon?
-------------

The very defination of modern day Conservatism.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/14/opinion/14rich.html?_r=1

The Obama Haters' Silent Enablers ^

http://www.mediamatters.com/columns/200906120037

^ Right-Wing Media And The Fringe: A Growing History Of Violence (And Denial)

[escribacat]

Gee, do you think they track the groups these "lone wolf offenders" associate with in order to track the "lone wolf offenders?"

[qdog112]

It's quite apparent that they don't track the groups effectively

I've posted here before that the law enforcement retreat in TN every year would show a close relationship with some of the sentiments held by the very extremist groups and "mythical lone wolves" they purport to track.

I am hopeful this DOJ will change that relationship for good.

[plaidsportcoat]

Please do post a link about that law enforcement retreat in TN - I need to keep an eye on that "wolf pack"!

[timberdoodle]

This bull about not wanting to infringe upon free speech is a crock. Free speech is a privilege the same as owning a gun is a privilege given to citizens through the Constitution.

Both of these privileges come with responsibility and if neither of these are being used responsibly then that right should be taken away.

For instance having the right to own a gun does not mean you can walk down the street with loaded guns in your hands or go into banks and stores in the same manner. That would be irresponsible.

The applies to free speech. If people are in the media constantly promoting hate and bigotry then they should have the free speech privilege taken away unless they conform to using it properly and responsibly. Inciting violence is irresponsible.

[Ramirez]

Inciting violence is already against the law.

[qdog112]

Do you mean like the time Jesse Helms warned President Clinton about visiting NC? Cloud that have been a dog whistle?

That law has never been used against the ones who need it most - can you guess why?

[JulieSA]

"Free speech is a privilege"

No--it's a right.

Why are Obama voters constantly calling for government censorship of political speech?

[Weirdwriter]

Why are the Sore Losers constantly painting all pro-Obama voters (including the defecting Republicans) as dangerous, unpatriotic and disrespectful of civil liberties?

[dex216]

Because they're the ones in power. Whenever the conservatives take the White House and Congress back, the liberals will support free speech again. It's all a game. Whatever the left likes the right hates, and whatever the right likes the left hates.

[Lyr]

It's not all of the Obama supporters, just the uneducated ones.

[toadicux]

"should have the free speech privilege taken away "

Too funny to even comment on.

Someone who never took a civics class obviously.

[EDHvoice]

You are factually wrong when you state that free speech is a privilege rather than a right. Free speech is a right guaranteed by the the first amendment to the US Constitution. The first ten amendments to our constitution are called the Bill of Rights, NOT the Bill of Privileges.

A privilege may be taken away. A right may not.

The First Amendment states in part: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances­."

[Lyr]

By your same logic voitng is a privelidge. And just because you have the privledge of voting doesn't mean you can just vote for whoever you want, that would be irresponsible. Do you see how insane your argument is?