Following the MIT hack this morning, Anonymous has extended its tribute to Aaron Swartz into #OpAngel. The operation, launched Monday just one day ahead of the gifted programmer and activist’s funeral, has manifold intent.

First, Anonymous plans to thwart Westboro Baptist Church’s announced plans to picketSwartz’s open funeral in Chicago. “Twenty-four hours after the death of Aaron Swartz was announced to the world, a heartless cult announced their intention to picket his funeral. In response, Anonymous has launched Operation Angel,” the hacker collective announced in a statement.

Noting that WBC’s interest in Swartz’s funeral likely relates to Anonymous’ previous attacks on the religious group, the hackers offered apologies to Swartz’s parents:

It is likely that our continuous condemnation and attacks against this cult is the very reason Aaron is being targeted by them. We would do anything to stop them from attending Aaron’s services.

The statement urges that “organizations who would like to form protective human shields near Aaron’s funeral to listen closely for any announcement by the family on this action and respect their wishes … We are encouraging the public and any members of Highland Park law enforcement with intel on the cults to e-mail that information to [email protected]”

The hackers go on to explain that #OpAngel will involve a second phase once Swartz has been laid to rest: