Terrorists at the gate?

Are Islamo-Fascists planning to blow up the Midwest with cell phones?

It seems like that charge merits further investigation before going off half-cocked, But that's exactly what Rep. Mark Green did, issuing a statement today:

“News of the most recent terror plot, this one targeting the Mackinac Bridge, hits closer to home here in Wisconsin. It is believed that cell phones to be used in the terrorist attack were purchased in Antigo, serving as a chilling reminder of the potential for terrorists to hurt Wisconsinites. It also highlights the need for us to keep up our guard and remain vigilant with our eyes and ears open. I am pleased the Coast Guard has stepped up patrols in this region; however, it only reinforces the need for us to provide law enforcement and intelligence officials the necessary resources to keep us safe from terrorists who want to harm us.”

One Wisconsin Now calls Green's statement fear mongering, and it's hard to argue with that.

Here's the report from an hour ago:

CARO, Michigan (AP) -- The FBI said Monday it had no information to indicate that the three Texas men arrested with about 1,000 cell phones in their van had any direct connection to known terrorist groups.

Authorities had increased patrols on Michigan's five-mile-long Mackinac Bridge after local prosecutors said investigators believed the men were targeting the span.

Local authorities didn't say what they believed the men intended to do with the phones, most of which were prepaid TracFones, but Caro's police chief noted that cell phones can be untraceable and used as detonators.

The FBI issued a news release Monday saying there is no imminent threat to the bridge linking Michigan's upper and lower peninsulas.

The release also said the FBI had no information indicating that the men, Palestinian-Americans living in Texas, had any direct links to any known terrorist groups or to the alleged plot to bomb trans-Atlantic jetliners that was announced in London last week.

Republican AG candidates are both on the case, I'll bet -- J.B. Van Hollen claiming vindication for his suggestion that there are terrorist cells in Wisconsin, while Paul Bucher tries to deport those suspects to Texas.