Global Courant 2023-05-09 16:34:04
Vermont on Monday made it a crime to own or operate paramilitary training camps in the state after Republican Governor Phil Scott signed legislation introduced in response to a firearms training facility built without a permit that neighbors called a threat.
Violators risk up to five years in prison or a fine of up to $50,000 or both under the law. It prohibits a person from teaching, training anyone else in the use, application or making of any firearm, explosive or incendiary device which may cause injury or death and which is to be used in or to promote civil disorder or demonstrate. It also prohibits a person from assembling with others for such training, instruction or exercise.
The gun violence prevention group led by former U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona, who was forced to give up her political career when she was incapacitated in a 2011 assassination attempt, praised Vermont’s law.
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“Today, Vermont joins 25 other states in banning firearms training for anti-government paramilitary activity,” said Allison Anderman, senior counsel and the leader of Giffords’ Guns & Democracy project. “Private paramilitary activity is illegal in Vermont and has been associated with the harassment of people exercising their constitutional rights across the United States,” she said by email. “This is a common sense policy that will help reduce the spread of dangerous, illegal and anti-government harassment involving firearms.”
Vermont Governor Phil Scott signed legislation making it illegal to own or operate paramilitary training camps. (Fox news)
Vermont law does not apply to legitimate law enforcement activities or lawful activities of Norwich University or any other educational institution that teaches military science. nor does it apply to self-defense instruction or practice without intent to cause civil disorder; firearms instruction intended to teach the safe handling and use of firearms; and any legal sports or activities such as hunting, target practice, and firearm collecting.
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In Oregon, which has had the sixth-highest number of extremist incidents in the country in the past 10 years, the legislature is considering a bill that experts say would create the nation’s most comprehensive law against paramilitary activity. A failed bill this year in the New Mexico legislature that sought to curb paramilitary patrols established in recent years to stop migrants at the international border with Mexico. A paramilitary patrol in New Mexico showed up at a protest over a statue of a Spanish conquistador.
The owner of the 30-acre firearms training center in southern Vermont has until the summer to remove all unauthorized structures on the property in Pawlet. Neighbors have complained about the gunfire and what they say are threats and intimidation from owner Daniel Banyai and his supporters.
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The Vermont environmental court said Banyai was in contempt of court for willfully ignoring a series of court orders issued since the trial began in 2019 and now faces jail time and fines that could reach more than $100,000 if he fails to comply. comply with this by June 23.
Banyai did not respond to a text message for comment.
