Armed militia group’s return to Ferguson raises concern

The return of an armed militia group patrolling the streets of Ferguson drew criticism Tuesday from both protesters and the county police chief overseeing security amid ongoing demonstrations marking the anniversary of 18-year-old Michael Brown’s shooting death.

On Monday, five Oath Keepers – all of whom appeared to be white – showed up in Ferguson again.

By Tuesday afternoon there had been no major rallies in the St. Louis area, and there was a lighter police presence on the streets of Ferguson.

“Info Wars are here, they are documenting the activities and we are here to keep them safe”, said an Oath Keeper named John. “There were problems here, there were people who got hurt”.

That appears to put the Oath Keepers directly at odds with law enforcement. He said members plan to remain in Ferguson “at least through the end of the week”. No injuries were reported by police or civilians.

Composed of ex-military and police officers, the Oath Keepers now claim to have up to 30,000 members, though its critics have questioned this figure. When asked, the man said he was protecting his apartment block and shops.

The Anti-Defamation League – From the ADL website: “The “orders” the Oath Keepers refuse reveal their extreme conspiratorial mindset, because the “orders” are not instructions ever likely to be actually handed down by Obama or his officials; instead, they are reflective of the anti-government conspiracy theories embraced by the extreme right”.

Police in St Louis, he argues, violated state law in Missouri that prevents any government agency from confiscating guns from citizens in times of emergency. You may remember them from the grand jury decision in November, protecting small businesses from vandals.

Reports said the group helped to board up vandalised store fronts, but were later ordered to leave by police who threatened them with arrest for operating without a license.

“The video shows Harris grab a handgun out of his waistband once shots are fired during the protest in the West Florissant corridor”, according to St. Louis County Police. “Doesn’t the second amendment apply to them too?” Members of Oath Keepers, Pacific Patriot Network and 3% of Idaho said they came to Lincoln – the former hometown of Unabomber Ted Kaczynski – at White Hope Mine owner George Kornec’s request.

County Police Chief John Belmar said their presence was both unnecessary and inflammatory. The county police department later said it was investigating to see if the men had broken any laws.

The group’s membership coordinator referred all inquires to group founder Stewart Rhodes.

The revised statute says anyone permitted to carry a gun can “briefly and openly display the firearm to the ordinary sight of another person, unless the firearm is intentionally displayed in an angry or threatening manner, not in necessary self defense”. “They need to give us our space”.

But the group’s leaders deny accusations it is a militia, anti-governmental or racist. “I’m hardly a poster child for white supremacy”.