FBI Renews Effort To Catch Domestic Terror Fugitives

Washington, D.C. (AHN) - The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has renewed its efforts to apprehend several environmental extremists who remain on the loose. FBI Counterterrorism Division Deputy Assistant Director Michael Ward announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of four domestic terrorism fugitives associated with Operation Backfire; Josephine Sunshine Overaker, Joseph Mahmoud Dibee, Justin Franchi Solondz and Rebecca Rubin.

"They conducted a range of criminal actions throughout the western United States in the name of the Animal Liberation Front and the Earth Liberation Front," Ward explained. "Their criminal actions included vandalism, animal releases, arsons, and attempted arsons across Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, Wyoming, and Colorado."

"Specifically, this cell was responsible for at least 25 domestic terrorism criminal actions totaling over $48 million in damages, including the largest eco-related arson in history - a $26 million arson at the Vail Ski Resort in Vail, Colorado. Additionally, the cell committed the only Y2K action in the U.S. when several members sabotaged a BPA High Voltage Tower outside Bend, Oregon," Ward added.

"Anyway you look at it, these individuals are terrorists; regardless of their political or social message, their actions were criminal and violated federal laws... The FBI has remained steadfast in the search for these individuals and is making every effort to locate these fugitives and bring them to justice. To date, animal rights and environmental extremists have been responsible for over 1,800 criminal acts and more than $110 million in damages," Ward said.