The Plot Against Gretchen Whitmer Shows the Danger of Private Militias

By Mary B. McCord, The New York Times

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.

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