[wmfights]

So, unless someone posts the actual documentation, this appears to be a hoax,...

Thanks.

I am very concerned about how the 0 admn has systematically moved to marginalize people/groups that are in opposition to it. I don't put it past them to try and create a "fake" outrage just to further marginalize those that get upset before fully checking. We are living in a dark time.

[Star Traveler]

There’s also a whole lot of paranoia and — along with that — the “whipping up the troops” without any regard to facts. These days a lot of “political preference” passes for “fact” — it seems.

I want to know the exact facts, the exact circumstances and all the “ins and out” of the situation (whatever it is).

There’s way too much paranoia and way too much “hyperbole” and heated opinion. I’m not going to want to based any of my evaluations on something on the basis of someone else’s whipped up paranoia and hyperbole and heated opinions...

Even the *very same facts* can be viewed several *different ways* depending on a person’s preference on seeing it a certain way...

[delacoert]

Well... before we get our shorts in a wad...

1. The document is dated March 2009, so the intel pre-dates the current administration.
2. The document is published by the Virginia Commonwealth, not the federal government.
3. The document makes some reasonable statements in the section in which Life and Liberty Ministries is mentioned, "Special Interest Extremism."

Special Interest Extremism
Special interest extremism in Virginia encompasses anti-abortion extremists as well as animal and environmental rights extremists. While special interest groups often incorporate a religious or political message, it is generally a method used to support the overarching group goal. Antiabortionist extremists pose a significant threat due to their willingness to take human life in the advancement of their cause. Environmental rights extremists pose a legitimate threat to critical infrastructure as they routinely target the energy sector. Animal rights extremists, while posing a significant threat elsewhere in the country, are considered a less viable threat due to their lack of significant presence and activities in Virginia.

Anti-Abortion Extremists
The anti-abortion extremist movement is comprised of radical individuals dedicated to changing the laws protecting abortion using violence, if necessary.¹²³ In recent years, law enforcement has received increased reported incidents nationwide at Planned Parenthood centers, possibly by anti-abortion activists. Incidents have included harassing phone calls, suspicious inquiries, possible surveillance, recovered incendiary devices, and direct threats to employees.

There are at least two active anti-abortionist groups of interest to law enforcement headquartered in the Commonwealth, the Army of God and Life (Chesapeake) and Life & Liberty Ministries (Powhatan). There is no information that the latter group espouses violence; however, the group causes disturbances and can be confrontational during their demonstrations.^pp In Virginia, only a few incidents involving anti-abortion groups have been reported. In May 2007, an incendiary device was found outside of an abortion clinic in Virginia Beach; however, it is unknown if members of an anti-abortion group were involved.¹²⁴ The most recent reports of anti-abortion extremist presence were noted in the Virginia Commonwealth University and the College of William & Mary, as well as Albemarle, Manassas, Nelson, and Hanover.¹²⁵ Prior anti-abortion extremist presence has been reported in Chesapeake, Farmville, Henrico, Newport News, Norfolk, Richmond, and Virginia Beach.¹²⁶ Additionally, several Virginia residents have been reported by other states as engaging in anti-abortionist activity.¹²⁷

The Army of God
The Army of God (AOG) has provided biblical justification for the use of violence against abortion providers and has engaged in threats, intimidation, kidnappings, and murder in their pursuit to end abortion in the U.S. The group distributes information via the Internet on resistance against the government and abortionists^qq and has published a manual outlining how to disrupt and put an end to abortion clinics.^rr In August, the AOG was believed to be behind several email bomb threats sent to colleges and universities nationwide, including to the College of William and Mary and James Madison University.¹²⁸

Operation Rescue, an anti-abortionist group with ties to the AOG, has been reported in Norfolk.¹²⁹ Operation Rescue was founded by a violent anti-abortionist who promotes the killing of abortion clinic workers.¹³⁰ Although the group currently advocates nonviolent actions, the group’s website is full of inflammatory articles, such as Barack Obama’s “Jihad” Against the Unborn!, that could serve as a catalyst for lone wolf actors.

Intelligence Gaps

1. Are anti-abortion extremists in Virginia planning acts of domestic terrorism or engaging in paramilitary training?
2. Which, if any, extremists are assessed as potentially violent anti-abortion offenders or are known to be interested in acquiring weapons and explosives?
3. What ties exist between anti-abortion extremists and other right-wing extremists in Virginia?
4. How many anti-abortion protests/demonstrations in Virginia have ended in arrests, resulted in injury, or property destruction?
5. Have anti-abortion extremists expressed an interest in targeting pharmacies, pharmacists, or pharmaceutical companies providing ‘morning after pills’ in Virginia?
6. What changes are there in the methods that anti-abortion extremists are using to spread and sustain their message in Virginia?

Projections
The Army of God’s presence, ideology of promoting violence, and their demonstrated willingness to take human life constitutes a significant threat to Virginia. Their threat level is assessed as medium; however, AOG encourages individuals to engage in violent attacks, so the possibility of a lone wolf carrying out an anti-abortionist agenda increases the threat level. The following projections are specific for Virginia, but include regional, national, and international data.


Attack Capability: Likely to Increase – The election of a pro-choice president may encourage more violence by extremists or incite violence by previously non-violent activists.
Membership/Influence: Likely to Increase - Membership levels in radical anti-abortion groups will likely increase due to perceived changes in reproductive health policies that are expected to come from the new president.
Fundraising Activities: Increasing – Fundraising activities in radical anti-abortion groups appear to be increasing due to anticipated policy changes expected from the Obama administration.
Other Criminal Activities: Likely to Increase - Clinic violence and targeting of abortion providers will likely rise if significant policy changes are enacted.

______________________
^pp (LES) Life & Liberty Ministries conducts tours throughout Virginia, whereby members engage in street ministry, leafleting, and the display of graphic materials. A protest at Longwood University in Farmville had a group of anarchists along with the anti-abortionist demonstrators (LES) VFC Intelligence Bulletin 07-86: Life & Liberty Ministries 2007 Virginia Campus Tour; (LES) TIPS C070832; Life and Liberty Ministries; 2008 Threat Assessment Surveys
^qq (OS) The Army of God Manual contains anti-government sentiments and details illegal activities, including methods for blockading entrances, attacking with butyric, arson and bomb making.
^rr (LES) A college in Iowa was the only one to report receiving an email claiming to be from the AOG. Other colleges and universities received emails that were similar in content, sent around the same time, and used anonymous re-mailers. All the bomb threats were determined to be hoaxes (TIPS C070643).
¹²³ (OS) The Nuremburg Files: Alleged Abortionists and Their Accomplices
¹²⁴ (LES) TIPS C070302
¹²⁵ (LES) 2009 VFC Threat Assessment Surveys
¹²⁶ (LES) 2008 VFC Threat Assessment Surveys
¹²⁷ (LES) Pennsylvania: TIPS C070967; Illinois: C070896 and C070863
¹²⁸ (LES) Operation Rescue reported in Domestic Terrorism Tracking Assessment System
¹²⁸ (LES) TIPS C070967; Operation Rescue
¹²⁹ (LES) Operation Rescue reported in Domestic Terrorism Tracking Assessment System
¹³⁰ (LES) TIPS C070967; Operation Rescue

What was Life and Liberty Ministries' connection with an anarchist group?

Why should we immediately take sides with Life and Liberty Ministries is on a watch list?