According to the Miami Herald, an FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force operation has led to the arrest of seven people with connections to a white supremacist and known domestic terrorist organization, as described by Florida law enforcement. The arrested suspects are being charged with felony conspiracy and hate crimes.
Each of the seven arrested suspects are being charged with the following specific charges:
- Paramilitary training;
- Attempt to shoot into an occupied dwelling; and
- Evidence of prejudices while committing the offense.
It is illegal, and a felony, to participate in paramilitary training in Florida for the purposes of using such training for a civil disorder within the U.S., and the evidence of prejudices falls under the scope of the state's hate crime law.
The investigation that led to these arrests is part of a widespread effort to put a stop to hate crimes in the community. The suspects have ties to an organization called American Front, which is identified as a hate group by both the Anti-Defamation League and the Southern Poverty Law Center, despite its official purpose being the "religious and cultural preservation of the European peoples" which is "organized exclusively for charitable, religious, educational and scientific purposes."
Hate crime and conspiracy are serious charges in Florida and can carry harsh penalties upon conviction. To avoid excessive penalties and/or an unjust conviction, it is imperative that you hire the right Florida criminal defense attorney. At Musca Law, we make it our personal mission to defend your legal rights and protect your future. To speak to one of our lawyers, call us today for a confidential consultation at (888) 484-5057.