DEVELOPING...

"I never heard him say anything violent," said Eric Eisen of Fort Collins, an Occupy activist. "He was all about converting money."

From Eric Dondero:

Breaking news from theColoradoan.com minutes ago... "Arrest in Old Town fire - Activist charged with arson; $250,000 bond set":

Gilmore, a beekeeper, was arrested in the early morning Friday and charged with first-degree arson, second-degree burglary and criminal mischief. The fire destroyed the building at 311 Mason Street on Oct. 24 and damaged the next-door Penny Flats residential and mixed-use retail building.

Gilmore, a registered Republican, had been an outspoken member of the Occupy movement... (Emphasis added)

Fellow activists say Benjamin David Gilmore, 29, kept his message positive during the many days he participated in the movement. They declined to draw any conclusions about his possible guilt but said the movement is strictly peaceful.

[OFC Spokeswoman Julia Crisafi] said Benjamin Gilmore, who was part of the movement "since Day One," is a Ron Paul supporter. There has been friction between Paul supporters and other Occupy activists, whose views are "a little bit more extreme," she said.

Eventually, the Paul supporters moved their demonstration to Mulberry Street and College Avenue. But Crisafi said Benjamin Gilmore stayed at Maple and College.

Occupy Fort Collins activists said Benjamin Gilmore has been a well-liked leader and friend, parking his camper at Maple Street and North College Avenue to provide a toilet and napping spot

In a bizarre YouTube interview posted Oct. 18, Gilmore rants for 3.5 minutes on everything from corporations controlling the American economy, to federal reserve notes, to paragliding in Colorado.

UPDATE!!

Suspect appeared at Ft. Collins City Council Tuesday dressed in Black

The Denver Post is reporting that Gilmore "appears to be" the very same person who went on a rant against the City of Ft. Collins at a council meeting Tuesday night. He was wearing a black t-shirt and black gloves.

UPDATE!!

Video of Ft. Collins city council mtg. now up

The Coloroadoan.com just posted a video of Gilmore's city council appearance from Tuesday. It is nothing less than bizarre. He appears to have some sort of scar on his nose. He is wearing black leather gloves. He rants about the War of 1812 and paper money. At one point he breaks down and appears to come to tears.

UPDATE!!

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UPDATE!!

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Building Photo courtesy of Poudre Fire Authority via 5280Fire.com Suspect, Photo credit - ar15.com (home of the black rifle) forum