Preparing For April 19

APRIL 19, THE ANNIVERSARY of Ruby Ridge, Waco and the Oklahoma City bombing, has become as dreaded as the Ides of March. In Denver, where bombing suspect Timothy McVeigh is on trial, federal and city officials are on high alert. Concrete barriers have been placed around the courthouse, nearby streets and parking lots are closed and an official protest area has been designated several blocks away. There are reports of sharpshooters on roofs and restricted airspace over the area. NEWSWEEK has learned that Denver police and FBI officials have met with militia leaders to discuss potential threats. Militia members say they're nervous, too, fearing they'll be blamed for a violent act that's "actually the work of foreign terrorists or the Feds." Militia of Montana head John Trochmann's advice to members: "Stay home, have plenty of alibis so you can't be framed if something happens."