The FBI is warning police across the country that an anti-government group's call to remove governors from office could provoke violence.
The group called the Guardians of the free Republics wants to "restore America" by peacefully dismantling parts of the government, according to its Web site.
For now, the letters stand as merely a citizens' uprising movement trying to put pressure on the administration, reports CBS News correspondent Bob Orr.
Investigators do not see threats of violence in the group's message, but fear the broad call for removing top state officials could lead others to act out violently.
As of Wednesday, more than 30 governors had received letters saying if they don't leave office within three days they will be removed, according to an internal intelligence note by the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security. The note was obtained by The Associated Press.
Orr reports the FBI-DHS advisory uses language including this passage: "...they (the group) advocate for their views through the use, support, or facilitation of violence or illegal conduct..."
One U.S. security official says the advisory was distributed "...out of an abundance of caution to ensure that state and local partners have tools they need to recognize behaviors," Orr reports.
The FBI expects all 50 governors will eventually receive such letters.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/04/02/national/main6356489.shtml
