62-572: Hutaree / h uː ˈ t ɑːr iː / was a militia movement group adhering to the ideology of the Christian Patriot movement , based near Adrian, Michigan , in the United States . The group formed in early 2006. The name "Hutaree" appears to be a neologism ; the group's website says that the name means "Christian warriors", but an investigation by the FBI concluded the word does not have
124-570: A qui tam , any U.S. citizen, provided they are represented by an attorney, can represent the interests of the United States, and share in penalties assessed against guilty parties. As chief federal law enforcement officers, U.S. attorneys have authority over all federal law enforcement personnel within their districts and may direct them to engage, cease or assist in investigations. In practice, this has involved command of Federal Bureau of Investigation assets but also includes other agencies under
186-703: A federal grand jury in Detroit on charges of seditious conspiracy , attempted use of weapons of mass destruction , teaching the use of explosive materials, and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence. The indictment said that the Hutaree planned to attack unspecified law enforcement vehicles during the funeral procession for an unspecified officer or officers they planned to kill on an unspecified occasion, using unspecified explosively formed penetrator improvised explosive devices (which under federal law are considered "weapons of mass destruction"). Some articles suggested
248-502: A Christian background. The group became widely known in 2010 after the United States FBI prosecuted them in federal court for an alleged plan for violent revolt. The prosecution said they intended to kill a police officer and to attack the funeral with bombs. The presiding judge dismissed these charges. Three members pleaded guilty to possessing a machine gun and were sentenced to time served . The Hutaree's website claimed: "We see
310-517: A federal judge issued an order granting the defense attorneys' motion to exclude prosecution testimony by an expert drawing parallels between the defendants' beliefs and various conspiracy theories about Ruby Ridge , the Waco siege , the Oklahoma City bombing , and 9/11 , concluding: "It is largely irrelevant to the issues in dispute and what little probative value it might add is substantially outweighed by
372-527: A federal judge ordered that all nine members be freed on bond until their trial, saying that prosecutors were not able to demonstrate that the defendants would pose a danger if released. The United States Attorney's Office stated that the Hutaree allegedly planned "to kill an unidentified member of local law enforcement and then attack the law enforcement officers who gather in Michigan for the funeral". The press release further stated that nine had been indicted by
434-535: A guilty plea in December 2011 to a weapons law violation in a plea agreement, with leniency suggested in light of his cooperative testimony in the case. David Stone Sr. and Joshua Stone eventually later entered a guilty pleas in March 2012 to some NFA violations as part of a plea agreement. In February 2011, Judge Victoria A. Roberts set a new trial date of September 13, 2011, after defense attorneys asked for more time to review
496-621: A law enforcement officer referred to an "undercover FBI agent" who worked on the case; the FBI declined to comment, but infiltration is a common tactic for law-enforcement officials targeting domestic militia groups. The FBI informant was later revealed to be Hal Turner . The group was allegedly preparing for what they believed would be an apocalyptic battle with the forces of the Antichrist , who they believed would be supported and defended by local , state , and federal law enforcement . On May 3, 2010,
558-539: A number of private organizations that include paramilitary or similar elements. These groups may refer to themselves as militia , unorganized militia, and constitutional militia . While groups such as the Posse Comitatus existed as early as the 1980s, the movement gained momentum after standoffs with government agents in the early 1990s. By the mid-1990s, such groups were active in all 50 US states, with membership estimated at between 20,000 and 60,000. The movement
620-535: A set of ideals associated with the values of the militia they see embodied in the Constitution. From the inception of the modern movement there has been controversy over whether the movement was an important part of a complete response to many important threats, or a threat in itself . Scholars Stanley C. Weeber and Daniel G. Rodeheaver offer a description of the constitutionalist militia movement that identifies four types: Other writers view constitutionalism as
682-611: A term of four years, with appointments subject to confirmation by the Senate . A U.S. attorney continues in office, beyond the appointed term, until a successor is appointed and qualified. By law, each United States attorney is subject to removal by the president. The attorney general has had the authority since 1986 to appoint interim U.S. attorneys to fill a vacancy. The governing statute, 28 U.S.C. § 546 provided, up until March 9, 2006: (c) A person appointed as United States attorney under this section may serve until
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#1732884885048744-645: Is a right-wing movement that arose following controversial standoffs in the 1990s. It inherited paramilitary traditions of earlier groups, especially the conspiratorial, anti-government Posse Comitatus . The militia movement claims that militia groups are sanctioned by law but uncontrolled by government; in fact, they are designed to oppose a tyrannical government. The movement's ideology has led some adherents to commit criminal acts, including stockpiling illegal weapons and explosives and plotting to destroy buildings or assassinate public officials, as well as lesser confrontations. The Oklahoma City bombing on April 19, 1995,
806-824: Is assigned to each of the judicial districts , with the exception of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, where a single U.S. attorney serves both districts. Each U.S. attorney is the chief federal law enforcement officer within a specified jurisdiction, acting under the guidance of the United States Attorneys' Manual . They supervise district offices with as many as 350 assistant U.S. attorneys (AUSAs) and as many as 350 support personnel. U.S. Attorney's Offices are staffed mainly by assistant U.S. attorneys (AUSA). Often colloquially called "federal prosecutors", assistant U.S. attorneys are government lawyers who act as prosecutors in federal criminal trials and as
868-562: Is both the primary representative and the administrative head of the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the district. The U.S. Attorney's Office (USAO) is the chief prosecutor for the United States in criminal law cases, and represents the United States in civil law cases as either the defendant or plaintiff, as appropriate. However, they are not the only ones that may represent the United States in Court. In certain circumstances, using an action called
930-401: Is important to note that not all individuals who identify with the militia movement share the same beliefs or engage in illegal activities. While militia organizations vary in their ideologies and objectives, with many high-profile organizations espousing anti-tax , anti-immigration , survivalist , sovereign citizen , libertarian , land rights views, they generally share a common belief in
992-463: Is most closely associated with the American right-wing . Most modern organizations calling themselves militias are illegal private paramilitary organizations laws that require official sanctioning of a state government in order to be constitutional. While a common belief among members of modern paramilitary groups is that the constitution protects the ability of citizens to have the capability to overthrow
1054-589: The Zionist Occupation Government . Conceptually, a citizen's militia has been defined as a constitutionalist private army meeting regularly to practice combat skills and discuss weapons. The militia is defined as social groups practice "skills within a distinct territory, are not always anti-government, and have some opinions regarding use of terrorism to further militia goals." It may have an offensive, paramilitary, and/or defensive orientation depending on circumstances. Operational features listed in
1116-546: The Preventing Private Paramilitary Activity Act as an attempt to federally prohibit "publicly patrolling, drilling, or engaging in [harmful paramilitary tactics]" and "falsely assuming the functions of law enforcement." The bill as of yet has not been codified into law. Most militia organizations envisage themselves as legally legitimate organizations, despite the fact that all 50 states prohibit private paramilitary activity. Others subscribe to
1178-561: The U.S. federal government in civil litigation in federal and state court within their geographic jurisdiction. U.S. attorneys must be nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate , after which they serve four-year terms. Currently, there are 93 U.S. attorneys in 94 district offices located throughout the United States, Puerto Rico , the U.S. Virgin Islands , Guam , and the Northern Mariana Islands . One U.S. attorney
1240-400: The " insurrection theory " which describes the right of the body politic to rebel against the established government in the face of tyranny. (In the 1951 case Dennis v. United States , the U.S. Supreme Court rejected the insurrection theory, stating that as long as the government provides for free elections and trials by jury, "political self-defense" cannot be undertaken.) Beliefs within
1302-665: The 960-acre (390 ha) eastern Montana "Justus Township" compound of the Montana Freemen . The Freemen were a Sovereign Citizen group that included elements of the Christian Identity ideology, espoused common law legal theories, and rejected the legitimacy of the Federal Reserve . Montana legislator Carl Ohs mediated through the standoff. Both Randy Weaver (one of the besieged at Ruby Ridge ) and Bo Gritz (a civilian negotiator at Ruby Ridge) had attempted to talk to
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#17328848850481364-651: The American militia movement became active in the mid 1990s in a response of outrage about the violent confrontation at Ruby Ridge , the Waco Siege and gun control legislation. The movement is composed largely of veterans , libertarians , and Second Amendment advocates who share a common belief in individual liberties and civil responsibilities, according to their interpretation of the U.S. Constitution, as well as disdain for what are perceived to be abusive, usurpative, or tyrannical federal government decisions and actions, and
1426-646: The Constitutionalist militias generally resist casting blame on ethnic, racial or religious groups, but rather blame influential individuals or groups of individuals (e.g., the Bilderberg Group , the Trilateral Commission ) who promote globalization, collectively known as the New World Order . The Posse Comitatus is an exception to this principle, however, as it adheres to the antisemitic theory of
1488-628: The Department of Justice, such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Drug Enforcement Administration . Additionally, U.S. attorneys cooperate with other non-DOJ law enforcement agencies – such as the United States Secret Service and Immigration and Customs Enforcement – to prosecute cases relevant to their jurisdictional areas. The U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia has
1550-531: The Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands has a single U.S. attorney for both districts), including: These responsibilities include certain legal, budgetary, administrative, and personnel services, as well as legal education. The EOUSA was created on April 6, 1953, by Attorney General Order No. 8-53 to provide for close liaison between the Department of Justice in Washington, DC, and the 93 U.S. attorneys located throughout
1612-452: The Hutaree had not yet determined whom they would kill in law enforcement, or even that they wished to kill a law enforcement officer to begin a war with law enforcement, while not having any specific target. The FBI was aided in its investigation by members of another militia group. Nine members of the group that were arrested: On May 3, 2010, U.S. District Judge Victoria A. Roberts ordered all nine defendants to be released on bond , over
1674-704: The Justice Department's Executive Office for United States Attorneys . Selected U.S. attorneys participate in the Attorney General's Advisory Committee of United States Attorneys . The Office of the United States Attorney was created by the Judiciary Act of 1789 , along with the office of Attorney General and United States Marshal . The same act also specified the structure of the Supreme Court of
1736-492: The Justice Department. Militia organizations in the United States Defunct Newspapers Journals TV channels Websites Other Economics Gun rights Identity politics Nativist Religion Watchdog groups Youth/student groups Miscellaneous Other American militia movement is a term used by law enforcement and security analysts to refer to
1798-673: The Senate, then the Senate confirmation process was avoided, as the Attorney General-appointed interim U.S. attorney could continue in office without limit or further action. Related to the dismissal of U.S. attorneys controversy , in March 2007 the Senate and the House voted to re-instate the 120-day term limit on interim attorneys via the Preserving United States Attorney Independence Act of 2007. The bill
1860-553: The United States and established inferior courts making up the United States Federal Judiciary , including a district court system. Thus, the office of U.S. Attorney is older than the Department of Justice. The Judiciary Act of 1789 provided for the appointment in each judicial district of a "Person learned in the law to act as attorney for the United States...whose duty it shall be to prosecute in each district all delinquents for crimes and offenses cognizable under
1922-551: The United States federal government's lawyers in civil litigation in which the United States is a party. In carrying out their duties as prosecutors, AUSAs have the authority to investigate persons, issue subpoenas, file formal criminal charges, plea bargain with defendants, and grant immunity to witnesses and accused criminals. U.S. attorneys and their offices are part of the Department of Justice . U.S. attorneys receive oversight, supervision, and administrative support services through
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1984-528: The acquittal of seven Hutaree members, the property seized during a March 2010 raid was returned to the owners. Items included a wedding ring, firearms and surplus items of military equipment previously owned by Hutaree members. The FBI returned Tina Stone’s six guns, including her AR-15 semi-automatic rifle. Seized items that had been returned included hundreds of thousands of rounds of ammunition, numerous weapons and other material, but several items, including illegal weapons taken as evidence, had been destroyed by
2046-471: The additional responsibility of prosecuting local criminal cases in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia , the equivalent of a municipal court for the national capital. The Superior Court is a federal Article I court. The Executive Office for United States Attorneys (EOUSA) provides the administrative support for the 93 United States attorneys (encompassing 94 United States Attorney offices, as
2108-462: The authority of the United States, and all civil actions in which the United States shall be concerned..." Prior to the existence of the Department of Justice, the U.S. attorneys were independent of the attorney general, and did not come under the AG's supervision and authority until 1870, with the creation of the Department of Justice. U.S. attorneys are appointed by the president of the United States for
2170-425: The authority was first vested with the circuit courts in March 1863. Then, in 1898, a House of Representatives report explained that while Congress believed it was important to have the courts appoint an interim U.S. attorney: "There was a problem relying on circuit courts since the circuit justice is not always to be found in the circuit and time is wasted in ascertaining his whereabouts." Therefore, at that time,
2232-476: The book Militias in the New Millennium include the following: United States Attorney%27s Office United States attorneys are officials of the U.S. Department of Justice who serve as the chief federal law enforcement officers in each of the 94 U.S. federal judicial districts . Each U.S. attorney serves as the United States' chief federal criminal prosecutor in their judicial district and represents
2294-407: The bureaucracy or " deep state ". Starting in 2020, militia groups were heavily involved in rallies against COVID-19 related restrictions, gun control measures, and Black Lives Matter protests. After Trump's loss in the 2020 presidential election , many militia groups mobilized to protest the results, including large scale participation in the " Stop The Steal " movement, promoting false claims that
2356-513: The creation of the Critical Incident Response Group ( CIRG ) in the U.S. Department of Justice in 1994. A 1999 US Department of Justice analysis of the potential militia threat at the millennium conceded that the vast majority of militias were reactive (not proactive) and posed no threat. By 2001, the militia movement seemed to be in decline, having peaked in 1996 with 858 groups. With the post-2007 global financial crisis and
2418-528: The earlier of— (d) If an appointment expires under subsection (c)(2), the district court for such district may appoint a United States attorney to serve until the vacancy is filled. The order of appointment by the court shall be filed with the clerk of the court. On March 9, 2006, President George W. Bush signed into law the USA PATRIOT and Terrorism Prevention Reauthorization Act of 2005 which amended Section 546 by striking subsections (c) and (d) and inserting
2480-731: The election of Barack Obama to the United States presidency in 2008, militia activity experienced a resurgence. Militia groups have recently been involved in several high-profile standoffs, including the Bundy Standoff in 2014 and the Occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in 2016. Many militia groups strongly supported the candidacy and presidency of Donald Trump , with their focus on anti-government sentiment being replaced with opposing perceived enemies of Trump who were often alleged to be deeply imbedded within
2542-455: The election result was fraudulent. In the storming of the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, members with ties to various militia groups participated in the attack. In recent years, there have been increasing incidents in which Republicans aligned themselves with militia groups in exchange for their support. On January 11, 2024, Congressman Jamie Raskin and Senator Ed Markey proposed
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2604-400: The end of the age coming quickly, and with it some very rough times ahead, as foretold by God's word." The militia describes its goals. "The only thing on earth to save the testimony and those who follow it, are the members of the testimony, until the return of Christ in the clouds. We Hutaree are prepared to defend all who belong to Christ and save them. To those who do not, we will still spread
2666-469: The following new subsection: (c) A person appointed as United States attorney under this section may serve until the qualification of a United States Attorney for such district appointed by the President under section 541 of this title. This, in effect, extinguished the 120-day limit on interim U.S. attorneys, and their appointment had an indefinite term. If the president failed to put forward any nominee to
2728-560: The government by force when seen tyrannical, the Supreme Court has ruled differently. The catalysts of the American militia movement started with the FBI 's 1992 shootout with Randy Weaver at Ruby Ridge , and the 1993 Waco siege which David Koresh and the Branch Davidians were involved in at Mt. Carmel in Waco, Texas . Critic Mark Pitcavage described the predecessors of the modern militia movement: The militia movement
2790-563: The group but had given up in frustration, as did Colorado Senator Charlie Duke when he had attempted negotiations. A break finally came when far right leaders abandoned the group to their fate. The group surrendered peacefully after an 81-day standoff and 14 of the Freemen faced criminal charges relating to circulating millions of dollars in bogus checks and threatening the life of a federal judge. The peaceful resolution of this and other standoffs after Ruby Ridge and Waco have been credited by some to
2852-446: The hundreds of pages of evidence prosecutors had provided them. Attorneys also cited the complexity of the case in asking for a delay. The case originally was to go to trial on February 28, 2011. Roberts first delayed the trial in December 2010 until April after attorneys made a similar request. Defense attorneys argued that statements made by Hutaree were constitutionally protected free speech and not plans for an attack. In January 2012,
2914-596: The imminent or actual rise of a tyrannical global socialist government in the United States which, they believe, must be confronted through armed force. This tyrannical government is linked to the New World Order conspiracy theory and is named by the militiamen as the eponymous conspiracy theory. The Southern Poverty Law Center identified 334 militia groups at a peak in 2011. It identified 276 in 2015, up from 202 in 2014 and in 2022 nearly 200 groups still exist, down from 2015. Patriot movement Second Amendment Constitutionalism The constitutionalist wing of
2976-449: The interim appointment authority was switched to the district courts; that is, in 1898 it was switched to the district courts. Thus, for almost 100 years, the district courts were in charge of appointing interim U.S. attorneys, and they did so with virtually no problems. This structure was left undisturbed until 1986 when the statute was changed during the Reagan administration. In a bill that
3038-493: The last indicted Hutaree at large, Joshua Stone. From March 28 to 30, 2010, nine people thought to be Hutaree members were arrested in police raids in Michigan, Ohio , and Indiana (in Hammond ), for their alleged involvement in a plot to kill various police officers and possibly civilians using illegal explosives and/or firearms. An undercover agent played a role in the investigation that led to indictments. Grand jury testimony by
3100-591: The letters "CCR" which stand for "Colonial Christian Republic". Hutaree members use a unique system of paramilitary ranks with titles from highest to lowest: Radok, Boramander, Zulif, Arkon, Rifleman (three grades), Lukore, and Gunner (three grades). University of Pennsylvania linguistics professor Mark Liberman commented: "I don't see basis in biblical or military history for Radok, Boramander, Zulif, Arkon, and Lukore." The group remained exclusively Christian but attempted to maintain relationships with individuals and groups that adhere to other beliefs, especially within
3162-725: The militia movement encompass a combination of ideologies and positions commonly associated with various groups, including the sovereign citizens movement , the 1960s tax protest movement , the John Birch Society , the Tea Party movement , and since 2016, Trumpism . These beliefs often revolve around anti-government sentiments, opposition to perceived encroachments on individual rights, and skepticism towards established institutions. The militia movement has gained attention for its advocacy of armed resistance and its involvement in controversial incidents, such as standoffs with law enforcement. It
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#17328848850483224-663: The militia movement. One militia associate of the group, named Matt Savino, was denied membership in the Hutaree when he revealed that he was a Muslim . Savino was referred to join the Michigan Militia by the Hutaree who declined his membership but maintained contact with Mr Savino. Savino eventually was elected to be a "Colonel" in the Michigan Militia. Savino later provided information to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) which appears to have assisted them in capturing
3286-407: The movement, having a militia wing, rather than a militia movement with a constitutionalist wing. Throughout American history, there have been other constitutionalist revivals in opposition to various government actions. Some writers have asserted that the modern revival of the constitutional militia movement began as early as 1958 but that, in this early phase, it was associated ideologically with
3348-789: The objection of federal prosecutors. "The order is silent as to any financial aspects of the bonds. In federal court, defendants are normally released on $ 10,000 unsecured bonds, meaning they do not have to put up any money." The court ruled that five of the Hutaree remain in custody. The ruling applied to David Stone Sr., Joshua Stone, Joshua Clough, Michael Meeks, and Thomas Piatek. Four other members had already been released on bond. The court ordered that they be placed on electronic monitors. In addition to being confined to their homes, outside of time spent away from work (or while seeking employment as per standard federal pretrial release conditions), some additional requirements were placed on individual defendants, for example, alleged leader David Brian Stone Sr.
3410-551: The risks of undue prejudice, confusion and misleading the jury." The trial began on February 13, 2012. On March 27, 2012, a federal judge acquitted seven Hutaree defendants of the most serious charges related to conspiracy and sedition; they were free to go. David Stone Sr. and Joshua Stone continued to be held on weapons-related charges. On August 8, 2012, David Stone Sr., Joshua Stone, and Joshua Clough were sentenced to time served on weapons-related charges, to which they pleaded guilty, and placed under supervision for two years. After
3472-483: The second anniversary of the Waco fire, drew nationwide attention to the militia movement because Timothy McVeigh was associated with the Michigan Militia , he possibly attended meetings before the attack. This increased public scrutiny and law enforcement pressure, and brought in more recruits due to the heightened awareness of the movement. In March 1996, agents of the FBI and other law enforcement organizations surrounded
3534-548: The white supremacist Christian Identity movement mixed with constitutionalist elements. A fear of Communism was prevalent in the United States during the Twentieth Century, against which was set the modern revival of the constitutional militia movement. These militia revivals believed in the sanctity of the U.S. Constitution, and that certain groups are conspiring to destroy America. Unlike the Christian Identity groups,
3596-426: The word and fight to keep it, until the time of the great coming." According to some sources, the group is described as practicing survivalism . Most of the members were active voters with unidentified political party affiliations. The Hutaree has been known to lend assistance to other militias in the past, with such things as searching for missing persons. The Hutaree insignia includes a sword, crossed spears, and
3658-512: Was barred from having any contact with Michigan-based militia activist Mark Koernke . Prosecutors added charges in June 2012 stating that David Stone Sr., Joshua Stone, and Clough illegally possessed automatic rifles and that David Stone Sr., David Stone Jr., and Joshua Stone possessed unregistered firearms, charging them with violations of the National Firearms Act . Clough had earlier entered
3720-508: Was introduced by Senator Strom Thurmond, the statute was changed to give the appointment authority to the Attorney General, but even then it was restricted and the Attorney General had a 120-day time limit. After that time, if a nominee was not confirmed, the district courts would appoint an interim U.S. attorney. The adoption of this language was part of a larger package that was billed as technical amendments to criminal law, and thus there
3782-591: Was no recorded debate in either the House or the Senate and both Chambers passed the bill by voice vote. Then, 20 years later, in March 2006 – again without much debate and again as a part of a larger package – a statutory change was inserted into the PATRIOT Act reauthorization. This time, the Executive's power was expanded even further, giving the Attorney General the authority to appoint an interim replacement indefinitely and without Senate confirmation. The U.S. attorney
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#17328848850483844-472: Was signed by President George W. Bush, and became law in June 2007. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D, California), summarized the history of interim United States Attorney appointments, on March 19, 2007 in the Senate. When first looking into this issue, I found that the statutes had given the courts the authority to appoint an interim U.S. attorney and that this dated back as far as the Civil War. Specifically,
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