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Washington, D.C: --The leader of the nation's largest independent union of federal employees today applauded the work of federal law enforcement authorities in helping convict a member of an anti-government group in Michigan who had threatened violence both to federal workers and U.S. government property.

The case, which captured the attention of National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) President Robert M. Tobias, involved a 47?year?old man charged?with plotting to blow up a I I government building and assault and murder federal officials, as well as illegal possession of machine guns. Late last week, he was convicted on multiple felony charges, including conspiracy, and weapons violations. He is facing up to 30 years in prison.

As leader of the union that represents 155,000 employees in 20 agencies and departments, Tobias sent letters of thanks to FBI Director Louis J. Freeh and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Director John W. Macaw. NTEU represents those in AFT.

Tobias told Freeh and Macaw it is sad that there are those who advocate and pursue violent solutions to promote their agendas rather than voice their concerns in a rational manner.

But, said the NTEU president, "so long as there are such people, we are grateful for the efforts of the FBI and ATF in bringing them to justice and sparing innocent people the agony generated by violent acts."

Tobias added that America's civil servants, at all levels, provide invaluable service to the public, noting that they do so "with a degree of dedication and professionalism that often is taken for granted." These men and women "should not have to work in an environment where their lives are threatened," he said.

The U.S. attorney in Kalamazoo, Mich., said the ongoing case will now focus on two other members of the North American Militia, one of whom is cooperating with the government in exchange for leniency when he is sentenced.