The “Preventing Private Paramilitary Activity Act,” has been introduced by Democrat Sen. Edward Markey and co-sponsored by Maryland Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin.
This bill aims to outlaw state militias, citing the events of January 6, 2021, as a reason for its proposal.
The legislation is criticized as unnecessary, as all 50 states already have laws restricting private paramilitary activity. (Trending: Trump Responds To Biden’s Bombing In Yemen)
Sen. Markey wrote in a statement, “Three years ago, white supremacists affiliated with paramilitary organizations stormed the U.S. Capitol, shattering windows, walls, and the families of five U.S. Capitol police officers.”
“Private paramilitary actors, such as the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, pose a serious threat to democracy and the rule of law, and we must create new prohibitions on their unauthorized activities that interfere with the exercise of people’s constitutional rights. The forces of bigotry, hatred, and violent extremism must be stopped for the sake of our democracy,” he continued.
“Our legislation makes the obvious but essential clarification that these domestic extremists’ paramilitary operations are in no way protected by our Constitution,” wrote Raskin.
“I’m grateful to Senator Markey for his partnership on this critical effort to protect the rule of law, deter insurrection and defend our democracy,” he continued.
Deana El-Mallawany, from Protect Democracy, added, “As the events of January 6, 2021, laid bare, the rise of private paramilitary groups poses a real threat to democracy and the rule of law. In recent years, we have seen such groups interfere with the exercise of constitutionally protected rights, attempt to carry out unsanctioned law enforcement activities, and target vulnerable populations.”
Critics have highlighted that the bill’s provisions duplicate existing laws.
Critics have additionally claimed that the bill is an attack on the Second Amendment and argues that it is part of a broader effort to erode the right to bear arms.
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