Theories abound as to why militia groups proliferate during tough times

Posted: Mar 30, 2010 2:03 PM PDT
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Posted by Kate Oatis

TOLEDO, OH (WTOL) - More details are coming in about the alleged plot from members of the Hutaree, a Christian militia group based in Lenawee County.

Authorities say the group had been under surveillance for some time but that FBI agents decided to carry out the raids last weekend due to an imminent threat.

Hutaree members were reportedly plotting to make a false 9-1-1 call, kill the responding officers and then use a bomb to kill more at the funerals.

Nine people total are now facing federal charges.

The last of those suspects to be arrested was arraigned today. Twenty-one-year-old Joshua Stone went before a US District Court magistrate in Detroit and was ordered held without bond. He had surrendered last night in Wheatland Township in Hillsdale County.

Eight of the nine suspects are scheduled to attend a detention hearing Wednesday afternoon in Detroit.

In its youtube video, Hutaree displays its training techniques. The group is familiar with the woods, weapons and explosives.

Experts say this type of radical Christian group makes up only 10 percent of militias nationwide, that most are more survivalist in nature.

Dean Patrick Palmer at Siena Heights University in Lenawee County says the current upswing in militias can be attributed to fears of a ban on the right to bear arms, fears of a lack of national security and high unemployment.

"When people are out of work, they have a lot of free time," Palmer said. "They feel marginalized. You're going to see that type of activity."

Once the group starts, radical ideas can escalate. Palmer says younger members join for a sense of acceptance and belonging.

Experts say most militias train to protect their community from invasion or natural disaster.

Militia sources say they kept away from Hutaree because of its beliefs. One says he even refused to hide members of Hutaree who called on him this weekend during the FBI raid.

Experts say the signs to detect these groups are radical language, radical ideas, isolation and seclusion.

http://www.wtol.com/Global/story.asp?S=12229333