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White supremacist admits plotting to start 'race war' by attacking black churches and synagogues

Robert Doyle was one of three men detained by the FBI last year

Andrew Buncombe
New York
Friday 05 February 2016 16:32 EST
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Robert Doyle pleaded guilty to charges that carry a sentence of up to 20 years in jail
Robert Doyle pleaded guilty to charges that carry a sentence of up to 20 years in jail

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A white supremacist has admitted to a court that he planned to “start a race war” - allegedly by attacking black churches and Jewish synagogues.

The FBI said that Robert Doyle was one of three men arrested for plotting to bomb the premises of such premises. They were arrested after trying to buy an automatic weapon, explosives and a pistol with a silencer from an undercover agent, posing as an illegal arms dealer.

Doyle pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to affect commerce by robbery, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years, and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Investigators said the three men were arrested after trying to buy weapons from an undercover agent
Investigators said the three men were arrested after trying to buy weapons from an undercover agent

According to NBC, when Judge Roderick Young asked Doyle if he understood that pleading guilty meant that he admitted to the charges, Doyle replied: “I do understand that, and that is exactly what I am saying.”

The FBI said Doyle held a meeting on September 27 at his home in Chesterfield, Virginia, to discuss “shooting or bombing the occupants of black churches and Jewish synagogues.”

The bureau said Doyle and another suspect, Ronald Chaney, met with an undercover agent posing as an illegal arms dealer on October 25. On November 8, the FBI said Mr Chaney met with the undercover agent to make the purchase, and was placed under arrest. Doyle - who will be sentenced on May 2 - was arrested later that day.

A third suspect, Charles Halderman, was arrested on November 8 and charged with conspiracy to commit robbery. He has already pleaded guilty to the charges and will be sentenced on April 25.

The FBI said Doyle and Chaney “ascribe to a white supremacy version of the Asatru faith,” or Odinism.

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