The F.B.I. has advised more than 30 governors, including Iowa’s, to be on alert after a group called the “Guardians for the Free Republics” sent a threatening letter to the governors. The “Guardians of the Free Republics” wrote Iowa Governor Chet Culver and the other governors, saying they should leave office within three days or the governors would be removed.
The group’s website says it is forming grand juries to dismantle parts of government. According to the F.B.I., members of the “Guardians of the Free Republics” believe they are free from the duties of a U.S. citizen, like paying taxes or obtaining a state-issued drivers license.
Federal authorities say they’re concerned the group’s anti-government message could prompt some to act violently. The state of Nevada has installed metal detectors and other security measures at the capitol in Carson City this week. After the September 11th attacks, the statehouse in Des Moines was equipped with metal detectors and security guards are stationed at entrances to screen visitors and incoming packages.