NCJ Number
167814
Date Published
1996
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Extremist right-wing militia groups around the country have been getting bigger and bolder for some time; although militia leaders are attempting to distance themselves from the Oklahoma City bombing, these groups pose a serious threat to American society.
Abstract
The resurgence of the militias dates from the August 1992 siege of Randy Weaver's compound in Idaho, provoked by Weaver's weapons violations. Two months after the Weaver siege, Pete Peters of the Christian Identity movement organized a closed-door meeting in the Rocky Mountains, attended by 150 leaders of various far-right groups. Militia activists developed a two- pronged strategy. First, they aimed to develop a national network of activists, supporters, resources, and information, with the goal of launching militia activities in all 50 States. Second, they planned to obscure their plans for a coordinated network, as they intended to project the image of uncoordinated groups of citizens independent of each other. Militia leaders are attempting to form a citizens' army to overthrow the United States Government. They are acting in violation of laws against paramilitary activity in 24 States; they also participate in phony financial schemes and possibly gun-running to finance their movement. Elected officials associated with the militias have helped their cause, as they have become spokespersons for militia causes and concerns. Unless the growth of the far right is viewed as a serious problem, laws against paramilitary activity are enforced, and inflammatory rhetoric is countered, the Oklahoma City bombing may be seen by future generations as a beginning, not an end.