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SALT LAKE CITY -- Local FBI agents are gathering intelligence on the group that sent letters to more than 30 governors -- including Utah's Gov. Gary Herbert -- calling for their removal.
"Guardians of the free Republics" may have begun efforts as early as late January to abolish what it refers to as the "corporate" government, according to audio on the group's website.
In a purported Jan. 31 radio broadcast titled "Take No Prisoners," a man identifying himself as Dr. Sam Kennedy appeals to "members of the Tea Parties" and people suffering in the "United States Gulags." He predicts a collapse of the American currency and invokes citizens' rights to abolish "destructive" government and institute a new one.
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FBI warns letters to governors could stir violence
The FBI is warning police across the country that an anti-government group's call to remove governors from office could provoke violence.The man calls the day one that will "live in history."
"It is the day we begin the process of reclaiming the American continent from corporations posing as legitimate governments," the man said.
The letters sent to the governors demand they leave office within three days or they would be "removed."
"To say that they advocate violence -- I think that would be a stretch at this point because we don't have any specifics on that," FBI Special Agent Juan Becerra told KSL Newsradio Friday. "This is just another part of the intelligence gathering by the FBI."
Becerra says an intelligence note circulated through the bureau, as well as the Department of Homeland Security, was intended to "share information and intelligence" with the law enforcement community.
The note, which was obtained by The Associated Press, warns police officials that the group's message may encourage others to act out violently.
The Utah Department of Public Safety handed over the letter from Guardians of the free Republics that was sent to Gov. Herbert, Sgt. Jeff Nigbur told KSL.
"We are looking at it and we are investigating it and sharing that information to prepare not only our sister law enforcement agencies, but to also warn the public that if they do know of something coming up, they need to warn us about it immediately," Becerra said.
Beccera says the FBI has been aware of the group. He declined to say whether the Guardians of the free Republics had any presence in Utah.
E-mail: aadams@ksl.com
