Prosecutors alleged Monday that four Army soldiers arrested for killing a former soldier and his girlfriend were plotting to assassinate the President and overthrow the government.

The Associated Press reported that the four soldiers, part of a Georgia-based militia called Forever Enduring Always Ready (FEAR), had spent at least $87,000 on guns and bomb components.

ADVERTISEMENT

“This domestic terrorist organization did not simply plan and talk,” prosecutor Isabel Pauley said. “Prior to the murders in this case, the group took action. Evidence shows the group possessed the knowledge, means and motive to carry out their plans.”

The militia planned to take over Fort Stewart in Georgia as well as bomb a number of targets, including a dam in Washington state. The plot was uncovered during a murder case involving the killing of former Army soldier Michael Roark and his girlfriend Tiffany York in December.

Pfc. Michael Burnett said in court that the former soldier and his girlfriend were executed after the militia feared Roark had betrayed them. Burnett has pleaded guilty and agreed to cooperate with prosecutors.

Burnett and the other defendants — Pvt. Isaac Aguigui, Sgt. Anthony Peden and Pvt. Christopher Salmon — have been charged with malice murder, felony murder, criminal gang activity, aggravated assault and using a firearm while committing a felony.