McCord writes: "In the swirls of disinformation that now pollute our political discourse, one is particularly dangerous: that private militias are constitutionally protected."
A gathering in Louisville, Kentucky, in September. (photo: Bryan Woolston/Reuters)
09 October 20
These groups have no constitutional right to exist.
n the swirls of disinformation that now pollute our political discourse, one is particularly dangerous: that private militias are constitutionally protected.
Although these vigilante groups often cite the Second Amendment’s “well regulated militia” for their authority, history and Supreme Court precedent make clear that the phrase was not intended to — and does not — authorize private militias outside of government control.
Indeed, these armed groups have no authority to call themselves forth into militia service; the Second Amendment does not protect such activity; and all 50 states prohibit it.
