Document text
--> --> Associated Press A fire ignited by explosives destroyed two buildings and vehicles at a tree nursery May 21 near Clatskanie. Underground group publishes arson manual on its Web site By Joseph B. Frazier Associated Press Writer PORTLAND - The Earth Liberation Front, considered by the FBI to be one of the country's leading terrorist organizations because of its arson attacks, is using its Web site to tell others how to burn buildings. The online guide is a step-by-step "how to" manual on building time-delayed igniters and gives detailed advice on other aspects of making incendiary devices. The guide counsels would-be arsonists: "Remember the rule: always strive for guaranteed destruction." Beth Anne Steele, a spokeswoman for the FBI in Portland, said the FBI was aware of the site but she did not know if it was legal. "There is a very fine line between freedom of speech and censorship," she said. The ELF, a shadowy underground organization, has been burning buildings of organizations it considers to be damaging to the environment since 1996. The group has claimed responsibility for dozens of arson fires that have caused more than $30 million in damage - including a 1998 fire that caused $12 million in damage at the Vail, Colo., ski resort. The FBI has admitted it has had trouble infiltrating the ELF. Portland activist Craig Rosebraugh operates what he refers to as the North American press office for the ELF but denies he is part of the group. His ties to the ELF, he says, are limited to distributing news releases that are sent to him anonymously. He has been questioned numerous times by the FBI, called before a grand jury and his home has been searched. Rosebraugh said Thursday he had nothing to do with the arson manual. The ELF's Web site includes advice on what to do "If an Agent Knocks." The Web site also lists attacks claimed by the ELF, provides stories about Rosebraugh's brushes with the law, and includes a plea for donations to help support Rosebraugh's "ELF Press Office." If information on the Web site is to be trusted, it also provides some insight into the way the ELF operates. According to the site, the ELF operates in "small groups that consist of one to several people" and each cell is anonymous not just to the public, but also to one another. It says ELF has no leadership, centralized organization or official membership. Email your... Technical questions & comments to: WebMaster Daily Tidings editorial comments & questions to: Editor Visit our other Oregon Newspapers... | Albany Democrat-Herald | Ashland Daily Tidings | Corvallis Gazette-Times | | Lebanon Express | Newport News-Times | Springfield News | Cottage Grove Sentinel | Ashland Daily Tidings 1661 Siskiyou Blvd. Ashland, OR 97520 Telephone 541-482-3456 © Copyright 2001 Lee Northwest Publishing