Evil Among Us - "Think About It Series"

EVIL AMONG US

By: Carl Chinn

The LAPD Counter-Terrorism unit announced recently that, “… we have active terrorist plots, in this region, right now.” The statement by Deputy Chief Michael Downing (Commanding Officer of the Counter-Terrorism unit) was made Wednesday of last week in an interview with CBSLA. Downing clarified by disclosing that they are currently trackinggovernment of Iran operatives, Hezbollah, sovereign citizen, homegrown violent extremists, animal rights groups and others.

In the Southeast, a terror plot has been averted in the Savannah, GA area. With the Fort Stewart army base close by, the area is home to many current, former and aspiring military personalities. Not all of those have honorable intentions. Privates Isaac Aguigui and Christopher Salmon, Sargent Anthony Peden, former soldier Michael Roark and his 17-year-old girlfriend started all shooting together for recreation. Then it turned more serious.

At some point, Aguigui is alleged to have presented “the manuscript” -- a book about true patriots. They formed an anarchist group and labeled themselves as “FEAR” (Forever Enduring Always Ready). As they cached weapons, developed plans, and gained momentum, Roark and his young girlfriend got cold feet and began to be a concern to the others. Finally they were murdered to eliminate the threat of exposure. Due to excellent law enforcement work, their homicides resulted in the investigation that uncovered the group’s activities.

Beyond simple talk, the group is alleged to have plotted bombing attacks, the assassination of President Obama, and even the overthrow of the US Government. During court proceedings one of the accused recounted how it came to murder declaring the government needed a change, and how he thought “we were the people who would be able to change it."


Think About it:

• As long as there have been opinions, there have been those with extreme views and tendencies to act on their views.

• Though neither of these stories involved a church, churches often represent some symbol of society that some people despise. Isaiah 54:17 reminds us that, “No weapon forged against you will prevail” (NIV). Consistent with the very nature of warfare, if an organization is on the move, there are weapons being fashioned and plans being made for an attack by that enemy. This is not a call for fear, but rather a rational reminder of a very real, active and determined enemy. The security and safety of everyone associated with churches and faith-based organizations requires people, parts and processes that are intentionally focused on protection to (with God’s help) prevent those plans from prevailing.