September 3, 2008
Posted: 08:03 PM ET

From
The suspect indicated he wanted to cause a power outage at the RNC, according to the affidavit.
The suspect indicated he wanted to cause a power outage at the RNC, according to the affidavit.


ST. PAUL (CNN) –
A 23-year-old man was plotting to set off bombs to coincide with the Republican National Convention, according to details federal prosecutors released Wednesday.

The suspect, Matthew DePalma of Flint, Michigan, is charged with possessing Molotov cocktails, a type of gasoline bomb.

DePalma was locked up on August 30.

The criminal complaint also alleges that in July 2008 DePalma told an FBI confidential source that he wanted to travel to the RNC to “make some bombs” and “blow s–t up.”

Read the criminal complaint

Later in August, FBI audio recorded DePalma telling the source he wanted to build a chemical bomb to cause a power outage at the RNC, according to the affidavit.

He also expressed his interest in Molotov cocktails.

The source apparently went with the defendant to buy gasoline and diesel fuel, and witnessed the suspect creating a "flammable gelatin" for the bomb.

The document indicated that the defendant implied his main purpose was to cause a power outage at the convention hall.

The complaint said there was cause to believe he had five Molotov cocktails in his possession when it was filed.

Filed under: Republican National Convention


bombs?????!!!!!   September 3rd, 2008 10:44 pm ET

Has politics really come to this. I just can's believe that someone would want to screw up the convintion. I'm a dem., but i still don't want any one to get hurt.

Marc   September 3rd, 2008 10:25 pm ET

Rudy Giuliani and other Republicans keep harping on terrorism just to keep the war going and to keep funding wars and to keep losing precious American lives>> what a shame >> How ignorants can they be !!!!!!!!!

vote obama   September 3rd, 2008 10:19 pm ET

I've noticed that the repuglican camp is using Obama's theme, I am not surprised old people have a hard time with originality and creativity!!!
GO DEMOCRATS!!!

james   September 3rd, 2008 10:18 pm ET

Guliani is a joke.He tries to popularize fear(911) was an occurence that was terrible but we cant continue these fear politics. The repbulicans have almost bankrupt this country.Tax breaks for the wealthy from the republicans.I dont tink that helps the working man!

Lone Star Wolf   September 3rd, 2008 10:17 pm ET

You OBAMA supporters should never call anyone or another party racist after the number you pulled on the Clintons. The only racist I have found so far in this election process is you. AND I WILL TELL YOU, YOU HAVE BEEN ONE MORE GREAT BIG DISAPPOINTMENT TO ME. I USED TO HAVE FEELINGS FOR THE ABUSE YOUR FOREFATHERS FOREBEAR BUT NOT ANYMORE. YOU HAVE CHANGED MY ATTITUDE THERE. YOUR HATRED IS CONSUMING YOU. AS LONG AS THIS CONTINUES THERE WILL NEVER BE A JOINING OF RACES, NOT REALLY. GOD HAVE PITY ON ALL OF US.

mike in central va   September 3rd, 2008 10:15 pm ET

any democratic delagates @ that liars workshop are racist. PERIOD!!!!

james   September 3rd, 2008 10:11 pm ET

The republicans are really laughable.They criticize inexperience then pick palin.Mitt Romney sounded like a war monger.He had the audacity to say something negative about Michelle Obama but dont want anything said about Palin.Romney had the nerve to talk about family values etc. but they dont apply those standards to their own families.Im tired of hearing abot Mccain te war prisoner.Tell me what he knows about the economy,taxes and everyday people.George bush has run this economy in the ground .Mccain has voted to support him ninety five percent of the time.Mccain has said the economy is great.He is out of touch.

Marc   September 3rd, 2008 10:09 pm ET

So John McCain served in the Army >> So did millions of Americans >> Maybe we should have millions of Americans running for Presidents and get it over with and let them all be satisfied.

Generation X   September 3rd, 2008 10:04 pm ET

Someone is only doing what the GOP has done to other countries!! lol

Farrell, Houston, Tx   September 3rd, 2008 9:53 pm ET

This ain't news, we have criminals running our streets every day using AK 47s and other deadly weapons. If one can be stopped, why can't they all be stopped.

Marc   September 3rd, 2008 9:53 pm ET

If you reallly listen to Republicans speak ?? they all play the same tune which is the LOONY TUNE

Jan   September 3rd, 2008 9:48 pm ET

Do not be fooled……Dick and George did not travel to the convention because there were threats against them, not a hurricane.

Mike   September 3rd, 2008 9:48 pm ET

I find it odd that the DNC and Obama didn't come out right away and denounce this type of destructive behavior. I'm sure there was protests of the DNC that had more respect for the primary process and left them alone.
So it makes one think that the DNC and Obama welcome anything that would shed a bad light on the RNC because of desperation and lack of credibility. They should have taken the initative to show they are disgusted with the anarchists. Are they not for the people or are they for themselves?

Marc   September 3rd, 2008 9:47 pm ET

Hey guys >> How about Huckeby >> isn't he a character ??? I think he should go back to church and ask for forgiveness.

Tennisguypitt   September 3rd, 2008 9:41 pm ET

I don't support these people, but this is absolutely ridiculous.

I hope the RNC goes along without incident.

Obama/Biden '08

Marc   September 3rd, 2008 9:39 pm ET

Hey Observer > Do you really think there was any bomb or a suspect>>> it was only a ploy to get some attention like little kids.

Paul   September 3rd, 2008 9:36 pm ET

Sherry in Colorado - why don't you elect a president who thinks first and acts later? The likelihood of your needing to be defended from anything is reduced. If you really believe John McCain has the sound judgment to lead, consider how he was unable to garner the financial support of his own party until he succumbed to the screaming from the extreme right wing of the party (the same evangelicals he spent years criticizing when he was a self-described maverick). If you even listened to Barack Obama's speech, did you not appreciate in the slightest how important it is that your nation stop banging itself over the head with exclusive, hateful labels? Please take a deep breath and think about it.

Martin   September 3rd, 2008 9:34 pm ET

Why would someone do something so dumb. The GOP & Republicans will self destruct on their own. No help needed. Just ask Noonan.

Obama 08,

Marc   September 3rd, 2008 9:34 pm ET

You are right Sherry >> let us pack up and leave to Sweden where we can live in peace>>> Who wants war ???

Dready1rasta   September 3rd, 2008 9:29 pm ET

JolleeDemocrat, vote for whom ever you choose. You are irrelevant.

Observer   September 3rd, 2008 9:23 pm ET

Whoa, this is crazy stuff. I might be unhappy with the Republican party, but nothing, and I mean NOTHING, warrants violence against them or any other party. That's just nuts. This guy is obviously mentally ill and needs to kept away from society.

Sherry, Atlanta   September 3rd, 2008 9:22 pm ET

DID YOU CATCH MITT'S SPEECH?

HE WANT'S TO GO TO WAR!

THIS IS FRIGHTENING!

Marc   September 3rd, 2008 9:20 pm ET

After hearing the Republicans speak and specially Met Romney >> I think they are all a bunch of right wing racists>>>> and need to get a dose of reality

Megan   September 3rd, 2008 9:19 pm ET

And please.. stop using Obama's 'Yes We Can' and 'Change' message. There has been way too much Plagiarism in this campaign season.

xavier   September 3rd, 2008 9:18 pm ET

JolleeDemocrat,
You're a democrat? After eight years of having the Republicans stick it to everyone but the rich elite you would vote for McCain?Sounds like a republican pretending to be a democrat to me. Go tell your garbage to someone else.

Hear that? Its the fat lady getting ready to sing for the Republican party.

Marc   September 3rd, 2008 9:14 pm ET

McCain could have picked much better candidate for VP >> But i think McCain is an undercover Democrat>>>>

JolleeDemocrat   September 3rd, 2008 9:05 pm ET

The DemoDicators are at it again, the constitution give us the right to vote any way we want too, I am a Democrat female who is convinced that my Democratic party has been high jacked by a very left wing group who states that they are Democrat but not. Nancy, Harry, Dean and Obama are wolves in sheep's clothing. They are the new DemoDicator party!

This Democrat is voting for the McCain ticket!

Go John McCain, we love you! Yes we can!

TonyinKentucky   September 3rd, 2008 9:04 pm ET

What a nutcase!

Doesn't he know all the nutcases are inside the convention? Just go on in, they'll probably let you do a speech between Regan worship services.

Ramesh Shrestha   September 3rd, 2008 9:04 pm ET

Another ugly Republican propoganda. I am not being sold into it.
ObamaBiden 08.

Marc   September 3rd, 2008 9:03 pm ET

McCain defends our country from what ???? I am puzzled >> We should defend our country from the Republicans and not let them creating more unemployment and >>

values   September 3rd, 2008 9:02 pm ET

I GUESS WE HAVE SOME REAL O P AMERICANS. I WONDER WHY. IF I HAD TO GUESS IT'S THE REPUBLICANS.

THE SHEEPS SHOULD PAY ATTENTION.

OBAMA….08

AJ from Austin Tx   September 3rd, 2008 8:57 pm ET

He's probably another left wing neo-socialist, birkenstock wearing, tofu eating, tree hugging loser who's full of hate and lives in his mom's basement.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   September 3rd, 2008 8:56 pm ET

In an interview with John McCain he was asked if Palin could handle foreign affairs, McCain replied "yes, because Alaska is right next to Russia". With an answer like that coming from McCain people should be looking closely at him also. Something is wrong with McCain and Republicans need to recognize it and stop the madness.

Marc   September 3rd, 2008 8:54 pm ET

I think that the Republicans are so desperate to use this plot !!!! to gain some sympathy and keep us thinking of the threat of terrorism. It is absolutely absurd >>>

Peter (CA)   September 3rd, 2008 8:54 pm ET

This is a terrible thing. No one would want to see anyone get hurt here.

Bob and Greg—I have no idea why CNN would allow such stupidity on this blog. I guess it's free speech. I hope you know the old saying." Better to keep quiet and look like a fool than to open your mouth and prove it beyond a shadow of a doubt."

sherry , Colorado   September 3rd, 2008 8:52 pm ET

all I can say is NO OBAMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't know why CNN keeps saying Colorado is a swing state cause everyone heres wants the man that can defend our country not just talk about it.

anyonmous   September 3rd, 2008 8:52 pm ET

yes we can and oh yeah this is my chant mcain will loose the election mccain will loose this election mccain will loose this election

Linda K.   September 3rd, 2008 8:51 pm ET

Republicans need to stop pointing fingers every time someone goes after them. Planting bombs is much more serious than uttering derogatory words, but in both cases the GOP needs to realize that you probably do have enemies. There are millions of people in this country and not all are mentally balanced. 'Nuff said.

Swing vote   September 3rd, 2008 8:50 pm ET

This nuts people, need to go to Iraq and help the troops fighting for our country, instead of terrorizing their own country. Let's Roll Mc/Palin '08. "Country First". GOD BLESS THE USA.

vote obama   September 3rd, 2008 8:48 pm ET

Although I have a great dislike for the repuglican party, that was too far. With all the hugging john mcSame gives Palin, I guess we know what will come out next ……watch out cindy….hmm…………………lol
vot obama

Texico From Mexico   September 3rd, 2008 8:42 pm ET

Too bad it didnt work!

maria   September 3rd, 2008 8:42 pm ET

The repuglicans have already detonated their bomb - Palin,McCain - all the repuglicans who last night were saying the same thing as though they had been coached - Palin "is energizing their party, all the experience she has ( not), she is a maverick," etc etc - all lies. The repuglicans are liars.
Has anyone noticed that when ever there has been a news incident ( Palin, hurrican,etc) Cheney or one of Bushes cronies goes abroad and it received little news media?
Be very concerned, Bush signed a Presidential Directive in May 2006 , check it out.

vote obama   September 3rd, 2008 8:41 pm ET

Although I have a strong dislike for republicans, that was too far. mcSame has been hugging sarah a lot. I wonder what's going on there hmmmmmm…………lol

Vote Obama

McSameMcCain on myspace   September 3rd, 2008 8:40 pm ET

Bill O'Riley is the same kind of whiny man that Rush and Rudy are. It is obvious they were all picked on when they were kids and they are all big on themselves right now.

Ridgeway   September 3rd, 2008 8:39 pm ET

You Obama lovers better keep an eye on your guy. There are nut bags on both sides of the equation.

sick n tired   September 3rd, 2008 8:38 pm ET

Well like the GOP always says "IF YOU CANT BEAT'EM SCARE THE HE-LL OUTTA EM" Nuff said.

Brian   September 3rd, 2008 8:38 pm ET

Well moderator, since I posted something that was critical of CNN that you decided not to post…

KNOW this. You're no longer on my computer nor on my TV. Doesn't matter if you post this or not. This message is for CNN!

Tex Ann   September 3rd, 2008 8:36 pm ET

Ah yes, the Republican party seems to attract ALL the nuts one way or another, doesn't it?

common sense   September 3rd, 2008 8:36 pm ET

Sounds like law enforcement is doing their job. They got another pyschopath off the street.
Anarchist…terrorist…what's the difference?

Greg   September 3rd, 2008 8:35 pm ET

OBVIOUSLY DEPALMA DIDNT GO TO THE OBAMA/AYERS SCHOOL OF TERRRORISM BECAUSE HE DIDNT GET AWAY WITH IT.

Democrat Voting For McCain !!!   September 3rd, 2008 8:35 pm ET

Use Your VoteTo Make A statement , Think !!! ,

Ohio Democratic Delegates Are At The Republican Convention Tonight , Supporting McCain / Palin Ticket . What Say U . !!!!!

Al,VA   September 3rd, 2008 8:33 pm ET

Get over it liberals and quit trashing someone you know nothing about. If some of your politicians would look in a mirror they would
be surprised what they see….

SENIORS FOR AMERICA   September 3rd, 2008 8:30 pm ET

IT'S MORE SMEAR CAMPAIGNING BY THE REPUBLICANS TO PROTECT THEIR BIG CORPORATE INTEREST AND THE RICH.

WHERE ARE THE ISSUE DISCUSSIONS?

Think Blue   September 3rd, 2008 8:30 pm ET

They are on a sinking ship and don't know how to get off, so blame Barack.

O'Reilly sucks, period…………………….

gerri   September 3rd, 2008 8:28 pm ET

Please check to see if he worked for Rush Limbaugh.

Texas Trail Kitty   September 3rd, 2008 8:28 pm ET

Not to worry. Fred Thompson delivered the biggest bomb!

PUMA IS A KARL ROVE DIRTY TRICK AND A MYTH..   September 3rd, 2008 8:27 pm ET

ok wait…

I have questions on this….

WHERE is he locked up. (in michigan?)
WHY are we just learing of this if he was locked up FOUR days ago….

I am suddenly thinking that a distraction was needed from all of the 'terrible' news the republicans have been getting this week.

(maybe i'm just cynical)

Dave954   September 3rd, 2008 8:27 pm ET

Like the Republicans needed DePalma to bomb. ;-)

Bob   September 3rd, 2008 8:26 pm ET

Did you know DePalma is linked to the Obama campaign?

Filipina   September 3rd, 2008 8:26 pm ET

That is very scary,,,why is republican stealing Obama's "Change"
cant the republican think of there own theme? lol

Cecil   September 3rd, 2008 8:25 pm ET

Palin to hit hard, Tonight Let Her.

Sen. Obama Been Taking The Kitchen For !8 Months and Counting!

Where Still Here, Still Strong!

Palin Been At It For Four Days.

PUMA IS A KARL ROVE DIRTY TRICK AND A MYTH..   September 3rd, 2008 8:24 pm ET

it just should never get to the point of needing to hurt or even kill people. period.

Nana   September 3rd, 2008 8:23 pm ET

so what, so what! have you not seen what the republicans have done to michigan! besides, its not like he wanted to kill anybody, he just wanted to cause a black out.

Rob   September 3rd, 2008 8:20 pm ET

The real Bomb. The Palin pick for VP. Has already detonated.

victor,nj   September 3rd, 2008 8:18 pm ET

I KNOW REPUBS WOULD SAY ITS WILLIAM AYERS SENT BY OBAMA. SINCE THEIR STRATEGY LATELY IS BLAME EVERY THING ON OBAMA. I AM WATCHING BILL O'REILY AND NOW HE IS CATEGORIZING JOKES BY JAY LENO AND DAVID LETTERMAN AS LIBERAL MEDIA. REPUBS MAKE ME SICK.

Noemi in Los Angeles   September 3rd, 2008 8:17 pm ET

We dont need bombs to realize what a failure our country will be under Reps hands.

It's about the issues.

Obama 08

John   September 3rd, 2008 8:11 pm ET

Scary. I am an Obama supporter but this guy is nuts.

Comments have been closed for this article

subscribe RSS Icon
About The Ticker

The latest political news from CNN's Best Political Team, with campaign coverage, 24-7. Sign up for our twice daily Ticker emails. Got a news tip or feedback? For complete political coverage, bookmark CNNPolitics.com.

CNN=Politics Screensaver

CNN=Politics ScreensaverTap into the power of The Situation Room. Download this powerful new tool that keeps you posted on the latest political news from the campaign trail.
Download (4.1 MB, PC only)

Follow us on Twitter

CNN on TwitterGet Ticker updates the moment they appear online via the Web, SMS, or instant messages.
Follow politicalticker

Categories
CNN Comment Policy: CNN encourages you to add a comment to this discussion. You may not post any unlawful, threatening, libelous, defamatory, obscene, pornographic or other material that would violate the law. Please note that CNN makes reasonable efforts to review all comments prior to posting and CNN may edit comments for clarity or to keep out questionable or off-topic material. All comments should be relevant to the post and remain respectful of other authors and commenters. By submitting your comment, you hereby give CNN the right, but not the obligation, to post, air, edit, exhibit, telecast, cablecast, webcast, re-use, publish, reproduce, use, license, print, distribute or otherwise use your comment(s) and accompanying personal identifying information via all forms of media now known or hereafter devised, worldwide, in perpetuity. CNN Privacy Statement.
Home  |  World  |  U.S.  |  Politics  |  Entertainment  |  Health  |  Tech  |  Travel  |  Living  |  Business  |  Sports  |  Time.com
Podcasts  |  Blogs  |  CNN Mobile  |  Preferences |  Email Alerts  |  CNN Radio  |  CNN Shop  |  Site Map
© 2008 Cable News Network LP, LLLP. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved.
Powered by WordPress.com