NCJ Number
158514
Date Published
1995
Length
37 pages
Annotation
To provide greater public understanding of the State militias' ideology and historical context, this report presents summary accounts of the two events that have fueled the growth of militias, followed by discussions of selected far-right activists and organizations.
Abstract
The militias' aims relate to laying the groundwork for large-scale resistance to the Federal Government and its law enforcement agencies, as well as opposition to gun control laws. In the view of many such extremists, America's government is their enemy, as it is perceived to be widening its authoritarian control; planning warfare against the citizenry; and using the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation as its main instruments. The key government actions used to support these perceptions are the Randy Weaver siege in Idaho and the Branch Davidian incident in Waco, Tex. Militia leaders repeatedly refer to these two events as evidence of what they view as a coordinated, conspiratorial crackdown by the Federal Government on groups and individuals that are exercising their right to "bear arms." Out of such a belief system, some militia members and supporters accuse the Federal Government of planting the Oklahoma City bomb to create an anti-militia backlash among the citizenry. This report profiles some 15 organizations and individuals that have been the forerunners and influences for the beliefs and perceptions currently touted by militia groups.