“If President Obama doesn’t comply, Jeffs, writing for God, states, “… I shall cause a great destruction in the land of Illinois, to the loss of life and to your awakening.” Illinois is the President’s home state.”
I can’t help but assume they see a connection between early Mormon history in Nauvoo, similar declarations made from that place, and their current situation. It all plays together into one well-spiced millennialism soup.
From the news story I read, it sounds purely like a prophetic “God will strike the wicked” threat. Not so much a direct threat from the people themselves. Still … not sure it’s such a smart move in his position. It sounds like it is addressed more for his followers than the government.