FBI investigating Stanwood man they allege threatened to kill law enforcement officers



SEATTLE -  A judge refused to release a Stanwood man from federal custody on Monday after the FBI suggested he could have links to domestic terrorism.

Schuyler Barbeau is charged with possessing an unregistered firearm.

On Friday, the FBI in Seattle suggested Barbeau could have links to domestic terrorism because the feds say he threatened to kill law enforcement officers.

Barbeau’s family and friends say he is innocent.

“We hold strong beliefs of his innocence due to his strong moral character,” said Maureen Peltier, a friend of Barbeau.

Barbeau speaks openly on social media about his love for guns and his dislike for the government.

In court, a prosecutor told the judge the former Marine told one woman “I have guns and body armor and I am going to shoot and kill."

The feds also revealed they have recordings that prove Barbeau mentioned hiding explosives in the woods.

“Was it inflammatory? Sure," said supporter Jason Patrick. "Will he do any of that? No. He is a sheepdog. He is here to protect your right to do this."

Prosecutors say Barbeau tried to sell an unregistered short barrel AR-15 to an FBI informant.  The government says he claimed he wanted to raise money to buy another rifle better suited for a shootout with police.

But the two dozen people who showed up to support Barbeau say he's being persecuted for exercising his constitutional rights.

“Schuyler is in court for doing two things: Talking and typing and having a gun," Patrick said. "Both of those are protected in the constitution."

“I am very proud of him that’s all I can say - I am very proud of him,” said Barbeau’s mother, Stacy Milam.

On Friday, the FBI suggested Barbeau's case could be linked to domestic terrorism.

“That has caused us some concerns in the sense of how are his followers, his friends going to react,” said FBI special agent Frank Montoya Jr.

“The patriot community is currently experiencing high volumes of growth,” Peltier said.

Supporters praised Barbeau’s association with Cliven Bundy, the Nevada man whose armed militia faced off with government officials over public land rights. Barbeau is reportedly Bundy’s former bodyguard.

The federal judge says Barbeau will be given the chance to seek his release during another detention hearing.

Barbeau told the court on Monday that he would like to represent himself during his trial if he is released from federal custody.

His next court appearance is set for Monday.