An undercover informant infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan in Florida, unraveling a deadly plot to assassinate Barack Obama just days before his historic election. The elaborate scheme, meticulously planned by Klan members, was foiled from within, leading to a dramatic SWAT operation that brought down key conspirators.
A Plot to Assassinate Obama
In September 2008, a chapter of the Ku Klux Klan in Wayward, Florida, devised a chilling plan to assassinate Barack Obama just days before his historic election. They meticulously planned every aspect, from the timing and location to securing high-powered rifles and arranging the destruction of the getaway vehicles.
The Infiltrator Among Them
But there was one critical flaw in their plot—they hadn’t accounted for betrayal from within. Joe Moore, a recent recruit to the Klan, had quickly gained their trust with a fabricated military background and sharpshooting skills.
The Undercover Agent
What the Klan members didn’t know was that Moore was working as an undercover informant. Posing as a loyal member, he had infiltrated the group as part of a counterterrorism mission.
A Mission to Prevent Assassination
Moore, driven by a sense of duty and patriotism, was determined to thwart the assassination plot. He was the key player in an unprecedented undercover operation targeting one of America’s oldest hate groups.
Inside the Klan’s World
Living this double life, Moore attended cross burnings and witnessed acts of brutal violence. He participated in their rituals, all while secretly gathering evidence against the Klan.
Uncovering Corruption
During his infiltration, Moore identified several law enforcement officers and government officials who were secretly aligned with the Klan. By feeding misinformation to his fellow Klansmen, he likely saved Barack Obama’s life.
The Toll of Double Life
The mental strain of living two lives began to wear on Moore. To stay in character, he used method acting techniques, but keeping his identities separate became increasingly difficult.
Paranoia and Persistence
The deeper Moore went, the harder it became to leave his undercover persona behind. Despite the psychological toll, he pressed on and even embarked on another mission in 2013 to infiltrate a different Klan chapter in Bronson, Florida.
A Sudden End to the First Mission
Moore’s first undercover operation ended abruptly four years earlier when he was pulled out to avoid exposure. The surge in interest and membership in the KKK following Barack Obama’s rise and the aftermath of Michael Brown’s death in Ferguson, Missouri, had made the situation increasingly dangerous.
The Plot That Shattered the Klan
Moore’s work culminated in exposing four prominent Klan members involved in a conspiracy to murder a Black man, Warren Williams, over a personal dispute. The dramatic SWAT takedown of these men outside a Home Depot in Alachua, Florida, in 2015 led to Moore and his family being forced into hiding, leaving behind their old lives.
The Price of Justice
Despite the success of the operation, Moore faced severe consequences, losing nearly everything in the process. The eventual convictions in 2017 of the four Klan members sent ripples of fear through the Klan, leading to a significant decline in membership as many defected to other extremist groups.
The Ripple Effect
Moore’s efforts dealt a serious blow to the Klan, but he warns that the broader movement is far from dead. He sees a direct link between the Klan, modern white nationalist groups, and the January 6 insurrection, highlighting the ongoing threat to American democracy as the 2024 election approaches.
