Austin Neo-Nazi Faces Federal Charges
National Socialist Movement member Samuel Johnson, an organizer of illegal immigration rally in 2010 at the Veteran’s Memorial, shouts at pro immigration protesters. - Austin Daily Herald file photoaustindailyherald.com
File under “What right wing violence?”
Two Minnesota men, including one from Austin, with suspected ties to white supremacist groups amassed several weapons and hundreds of rounds of ammunition as part of a plan to attack the government, minorities and others, according to a federal affidavit unsealed this week.
Samuel James Johnson, 31, of Austin, also tried to recruit others to his cause and actively scouted for a training compound in Illinois and Minnesota, the affidavit said. Joseph Benjamin Thomas, 42, of Mendota Heights, told an undercover FBI agent that he had tried to get explosives as part of a plan to “conduct attacks on left-wing individuals,” according to the affidavit.
Authorities began looking into Johnson and Thomas in 2010, as part of an investigation into domestic terrorism.
However, the men have not been charged with terrorism.
Johnson was indicted earlier this month on multiple felony charges for an armed career criminal in possession of firearms and ammunition, and Thomas was indicted on drug charges. Court documents were unsealed this week after the men made their initial appearances in U.S. District Court. According to court records, Johnson was ordered to be held in jail.