On March 22, 2007, Denver police arrested Grant Barnes for allegedly attempting to set off firebombs under seven sport utility vehicles in two separate neighborhoods of the city earlier in the month. According to local officials, the arson attacks took place over a period of four days, with several of the devices resulting in significant property damage. The other devices failed to ignite. Barnes was charged with six counts of using explosives to commit a felony and two counts of second-degree arson.
Following the arrest, police downplayed a possible connection to various radical environmental groups, however police recently announced that they had located seven other homemade incendiary devices in Barnes’ car, along with instructions and required ingredients. The bombs were exact replicas of homemade devices outlined in manuals prepared by the Earth Liberation Front (ELF) and the Animal Liberation Front (ALF). According to the search-warrant affidavit, authorities also uncovered gas cans, a box of matches, a facemask, and disposable gloves in Barnes’ vehicle.
Police have also stated that in one of the attacks, the letters ‘ELF’ were written on the side of a targeted SUV, allegedly after the device exploded. Authorities have requested permission to search Barnes’ computer in order to determine what Internet sites he visited and if he was in direct connection or collaboration with any animal rights or environmental extremists. At this time it appears that Barnes acted alone and was inspired to action by the radical environmental movement.
ARSON-AROUND with Auntie ALF
The devices used by Barnes mirrored those outlined in an instruction manual distributed by ALF, entitled ARSON-AROUND with Auntie ALF. “Auntie ALF” and “Uncle ELF” jointly wrote the publication, as the two groups have declared their solidarity and often have a crossover in membership.
The stated goal of the instruction manual is to provide individuals with an introduction to devices frequently used by ALF. The manual includes general tips for activists, such as “simple principles” that guide the user in concealing their “act of sabotage” by passing if off as an accidental fire. The writers also remind the activists to, “TELL NO ONE of their plans and make sure they LEAVE NO EVIDENCE behind at the scene.”
In addition to these basic guidelines, the manual provides detailed, step-by-step instructions for constructing and using approximately ten devices, such as igniter incendiary mixes, basic incendiary mixes, and a thermate metal-destroying incendiary.
The type of firebomb used by Barnes is described in the manual as an incendiary device frequently used by European ALF activists. A Denver fire investigator stated that local and federal authorities had not previously seen the type of device used by Barnes, which has been used in the past by animal rights activists against vehicles belonging to meat companies, specifically freight trucks transporting livestock, in the Netherlands.
Implications
The series of Denver firebombs carried out by Barnes illustrates the effective use of the Internet by the radical animal rights and environmental movements. The United States has experienced a growing number of “direct actions” carried out by these activists in recent years, which has corresponded with their increasing use of the Internet. Websites for various groups include significant information on constructing devices, tips for carrying out successful attacks, and communiqués of attacks carried out by activists. The Internet data highlights how individuals can interact with the broader community to gain the ideological support necessary to undertake their own acts in the name of the movement.
Challenges Ahead
Of particular challenge to authorities is the anonymous nature of these groups, where cells composed of only a few individuals or lone actors carry out direct actions in support of the larger movement. These groups are loosely organized and individuals can become “members” by simply engaging in a direct action against a target. As such, it is extremely difficult for authorities to identify cells or individual members.
The radical animal rights and environmental movements will likely continue to grow in the US in the coming years, and the recent arrest of Grant Barnes indicates the likelihood of further attacks by lone individuals, increasing the need for officials to continue to address this threat.
