Federal authorities thwart alleged ricin attack planned in Georgia

Federal officials have arrested four men in Georgia who are accused of hatching a plot to release ricin — a toxic poison made from castor beans — the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

According to the AJ-C, the four men were identified as Frederick Thomas, 73, Dan Roberts, 67; Ray H. Adams, 65, and Samuel J. Crump, 68. All four have been arrested and will make court appearances Wednesday.

According to CNN, the arrest affidavit for Thomas included statements like, “When it comes time to saving the Constitution, that means some people gotta die.”

Federal prosecutors say the general public was never in danger and the FBI had been monitoring the group’s meetings since March.

The plan included making as much as 100 pounds of ricin and then dispersing it in various American cities. 

“While many are focused on the threat posed by international violent extremists, this case demonstrates that we must also remain vigilant in protecting our country from citizens within our own borders who threaten our safety and security,” U.S. Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said in a statement.

Invest in independent global news

The World is an independent newsroom. We’re not funded by billionaires; instead, we rely on readers and listeners like you. As a listener, you’re a crucial part of our team and our global community. Your support is vital to running our nonprofit newsroom, and we can’t do this work without you. Will you support The World with a gift today? Donations made between now and Dec. 31 will be matched 1:1. Thanks for investing in our work!