FBI chief in Detroit: Government created memorial service ‘ruse’ to arrest militia suspects

FBI: ‘Ruse’ created to arrest militia suspects

DETROIT — The head of the FBI in Detroit says the government created a memorial service “ruse” to arrest several Midwest Christian militia members over the weekend.

Agent Andrew Arena tells The Associated Press that the Hutaree members believed they were going to an event at an Ann Arbor, Mich., warehouse. Arena says that allowed the FBI to safely draw them to a location “away from their weapons.”

The arrests followed raids in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana.

Nine suspected members of Hutaree were charged this week with seditious conspiracy, or plotting to levy war against the U.S.

A judge in Detroit had been expected to decide Thursday whether eight of them will be released before their trial.

But Magistrate Judge Donald A. Scheer says he needs more time to make a decision.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

DETROIT (AP) — Eight suspected members of a Midwest Christian militia charged with conspiring to overthrow the government will have to wait until Friday to learn whether they’ll be released before their trial.

U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Donald A. Scheer in Detroit heard arguments for a second day Thursday but says he needs more time to make a decision.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Falvey Jr. says the defendants are a risk to the public and should remain in custody. He described them as people with “dark hearts and evil intents” and said they could regroup if released.

Lawyer William Swor, who represents accused ringleader David Brian Stone, says the government hasn’t offered evidence to support its claims.

In all, nine suspects were arrested after a series of weekend raids.