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September 4, 2008
Details on RNC Bomb plan
Posted: 02:37 PM ET
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Joe Johns | BIO
CNN CorrespondentFederal prosecutors today released details of what they called a plan by a 23 year old man to set off bombs to coincide with the Republican National Convention.

 

Matthew DePalma of Flint, Michigan is the suspect.

He is charged with possessing Molotov cocktails. The criminal complaint also alleges that DePalma in July 2008 (at something called the Crimethinc Convergence, which looks vaguely on-line like an Anarchists' Convention), told an FBI confidential source that he wanted to travel to the RNC to "make some bombs" and "blow sh*t up."

Later in August, the affidavit says DePalma now begin recorded on FBI audio and video, told the source that he wanted to build a chemical bomb to cause a power outage at the RNC.

He also expressed his interest in Molotov cocktails. The source apparently went with the defendant to buy gasoline and diesel fuel, and witnessed the suspect creating a "flammable gelatin" for Molotov cocktails.

Still the document indicated that the defendant indicated a power outage at the convention hall was his main purpose. He was locked up August 30th.

Not clear how far he got on the main plan. The complaint said there was cause to believe he had five Molotov cocktails in his possession when it was filed.

9 Comments
9 Comments
Cindy   September 4th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

People like this are ridiculous. Trying to cause damage to property, hurt or kill people just to stop an election or convention is stupid. I hope he gets major time in prison.

Cindy...Ga.

Jenny Rome Ga   September 4th, 2008 3:18 pm ET

Jeeze what happened? Did the pitbully forget some of her ammo? Maybe he is a ticked off Community Organizer.

eric   September 4th, 2008 3:23 pm ET

So violence and bombing fellow citizens is how we react to those whose opinions differ from our own. Perhaps there was no violence at the DNC is because the people were afraid they would be called racist.

Evan List   September 4th, 2008 3:36 pm ET

I am a former Hillary Clinton supporter who wasn't sure that Barack had the experience to be President. However, after the dust settled, it has become crystal clear that not only does he have the experience needed to run the country, but he is the only candidate in this election that truly understands what Americans want and need. I sat at home last night and watched Sarah Palin speak and the entire time I couldn't help but think about how sad it is that the republicans need to continually resort to fear mongering, lying, and negative speech. Over the holiday weekend I was in upstate NY with my mother, who flew in from Florida for teh long weekend. When Palin was announced as thet VP pick for McCain she flipped out and said "how dare they? Do they think they can just replace Hillary with another woman and we would all swap sides? I'm more qualified to be VP than this woman." I would have to agree.

Heather   September 4th, 2008 3:42 pm ET

I don't care what side of the aisle you are on, there is no place for that kind of crap. I hope the bastard gets locked up for a very long time. Let this be a warning to any future nut jobs out there,don't even think of messing with the Secret Service or the FBI they will take you out.

Stacy   September 4th, 2008 5:03 pm ET

@eric–I guess you missed the news of the assassination plot against Obama. There will always be crazy people. Everywhere. Quit putting partisan spin on these truly heinous plans.

Tracey   September 4th, 2008 5:27 pm ET

AC 360 needs to feature a story on the pre-emptive arrests of protestors and the search and seizure of their homes and property prior to the convention. These people were not subversives or planning to bomb the RNC, but they were held without charge for 36 hrs. Amy Goodman, the award winning independent journalist was detained in handcuffs and all video and cell phone equipment and press creditentials were confiscated. They used the Patriot Act to intimidate and stifle dessent, and were called Anarchists by the police, which was echoed by the media without any follow up or legal recourse. The main stream media has totally ignored this story. Our freedoms are being subverted and the free press is disappearing. Please have Amy Goodman on your show so she can tell America what has taken place.

Jeff in Iowa   September 4th, 2008 6:25 pm ET

Why not a story on all the police abuse against protesters at the RNC. Everyone should go to YouTube and search journalists attacked at RNC to find livid video of police run amuck in St. Paul. Also, why no more mention of that possible assassination attempt on Obama in Denver. It was surely as credible a threat as this supposed bomb plot involving molotov cocktails. Also, everyone should go do a search for "Sarah Palin throws a republican party" at YouTube, it's hilarious. Sarah Palin in a bikini holding a rifle, awesome. She's supposed to be our next V.P., god help us.

KJ Western, MA   September 4th, 2008 6:50 pm ET

Respones to Jenny: When it comes to using violence as a way of protesting- there is not point. It just shows individuals who are incapable of having an adult conversation. As for your personal attack on Palin- need I remind you that Obama was the community organizer and I do not think he would appreciate being lapped into the same league as those protesters.

Obama has been a gentlemen and should be receive congrats at how well he has handled these personal attacks on Palin. Obama has showed diginty and honor.

However, I am a Hillary supporter. I am also a working Mom. My vote is going to the most experienced individuals for the job- McCain/Palin.

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