DrStrange
4 of a Kind
There is an armed force of regional "militia" occupying the Malheur Wildlife Refuge in Oregon since Jan 2nd, 2016. So far, no one has been harmed. The militia is heavily armed and explicit in its intentions to resort to violence if it faces actions by law enforcement. Implicit threats against the families and homes of law enforcement might have been made - or - perhaps the militia was just driving down the residential streets while legally carrying weapons in plain sight.
There has been destruction of property and it seems likely some level of destruction will be on-going. The government offices have been broken into where some property was seized/stolen. Let's stipulate that these actions are likely felonies.
The Malheur Wildlife Refuge is remote. While the actions of the militia appear to be unlawful, the militia action on the refuge itself do not likely pose a threat to public safety so long as law enforcement personnel or federal employees do not attempt to enter the area. The same can not be said when the members of the militia come into town to shop or eat. [and we can not forget an assault in Las Vegas where members of a similar group murdered several people including members of law enforcement. There is good reason for civilians and law enforcement to be wary when being confronted by these people].
- What should law enforcement do about this situation?
- Is this an act of terrorism? Definition: Terrorism is the use of violence and threats to intimidate or coerce, especially for political purposes. Please note there is a difference between public protests and terrorism. Both are political in nature but there is a difference in the degree of violence threated. Public protest is protected by the Constitution, but only up to a point.
- Should the government be prepared to treat these loosely organized militias like other terrorist organizations? Is there a legal difference between an Islamic terrorist cell planning an attack and the militias involved in Oregon? Keep in mind that these militias have been quite explicit in prior engagements about their violent intentions with regards to law enforcement and civilians.
How do we expect second amendment enthusiasts to react if the militia groups get treated as an active terrorist threat and treated accordingly? Basically brought into custody in mass, preferably alive but the options are arrested or dead.
DrStrange
There has been destruction of property and it seems likely some level of destruction will be on-going. The government offices have been broken into where some property was seized/stolen. Let's stipulate that these actions are likely felonies.
The Malheur Wildlife Refuge is remote. While the actions of the militia appear to be unlawful, the militia action on the refuge itself do not likely pose a threat to public safety so long as law enforcement personnel or federal employees do not attempt to enter the area. The same can not be said when the members of the militia come into town to shop or eat. [and we can not forget an assault in Las Vegas where members of a similar group murdered several people including members of law enforcement. There is good reason for civilians and law enforcement to be wary when being confronted by these people].
- What should law enforcement do about this situation?
- Is this an act of terrorism? Definition: Terrorism is the use of violence and threats to intimidate or coerce, especially for political purposes. Please note there is a difference between public protests and terrorism. Both are political in nature but there is a difference in the degree of violence threated. Public protest is protected by the Constitution, but only up to a point.
- Should the government be prepared to treat these loosely organized militias like other terrorist organizations? Is there a legal difference between an Islamic terrorist cell planning an attack and the militias involved in Oregon? Keep in mind that these militias have been quite explicit in prior engagements about their violent intentions with regards to law enforcement and civilians.
How do we expect second amendment enthusiasts to react if the militia groups get treated as an active terrorist threat and treated accordingly? Basically brought into custody in mass, preferably alive but the options are arrested or dead.
DrStrange