The leader of an armed militia group at the U.S.-Mexico border allegedly told the FBI of his plans to assassinate billionaire Democratic donor George Soros, former President Barack Obama, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Larry Hopkins, the head of the group which refers to themselves as the “United Constitutional Patriots,” was arrested Saturday in New Mexico. The group reportedly detained roughly 200 illegal immigrants and documented its efforts on YouTube. The 69-year-old Hopkins has been charged with the possession of a firearm as a felon, and faces up to ten years in prison if convicted. (RELATED: Here’s How The FBI Caught Mail Bombing Suspect Cesar Sayoc)
Prosecutors say that Hopkins has three felony convictions on his record, according to CBS, including impersonating a police officer.
Larry Hopkins arrest sparks battle at southern border https://t.co/2ydUcdb8vU pic.twitter.com/0SptE1URYX
— CBS News (@CBSNews) April 22, 2019
Court documents revealed Hopkins’ alleged threats towards, Soros, Clinton, and Obama, according to CNN.
“Hopkins also allegedly made the statement that the United Constitutional Patriots were training to assassinate George Soros, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, because of these individuals’ support of Antifa,” the court papers stated. (RELATED: Alleged Pipe Bomber Cesar Sayoc Pleads Guilty)
However, a spokesman for the group told the Albuquerque Journal that they were not engaged in any illegal activity.
“We are detaining people but not illegally. If they do not surrender to our verbal commands, we do not force them to stay with us,” spokesman Jim Benvie said. “Our guys are carrying for protection. We’re just a group of volunteer patriots, veterans in law enforcement.”
