Joshua Kaplan, a ProPublica reporter with a focus on unlawful American militia groups, joins the discussion to shed light on the rising threat posed by these organizations. He shares insights from his in-depth investigation into how militias have capitalized on Trump's election denial for recruitment. The conversation explores the complexities of these groups’ ideologies, the tactics they use to evade law enforcement, and the implications for public safety, especially in the wake of incidents like January 6th.
Donald Trump's request to postpone his sentencing raises legal concerns about complying with appellate rights and timelines in high-profile cases.
Militia groups in the U.S. have gained confidence and adapted their operations underground in response to political dynamics and perceived government overreach.
Deep dives
Postponement of Sentencing and Legal Arguments
Donald Trump's request to postpone his sentencing has raised significant legal questions, particularly regarding the timeline established by the presiding judge. The core argument is that a ruling on immunity on September 16th leaves inadequate time for appeal before sentencing on September 18th. Trump's legal team contends that this rush could infringe upon his appellate rights, especially when dealing with the complex issues around the admissibility of immunized testimony used during his trial. The district attorney's response has been to defer to the judge while acknowledging the potential for this unsettling timeline, highlighting the delicate balance of adhering to legal protocol in high-profile cases.
Rise of Militia Groups Amid Political Climate
The emergence and growth of militia groups in the United States are intricately tied to changing political dynamics, particularly during and after the Obama administration. These groups gained momentum as they reacted to perceived government overreach, especially regarding gun control and public health measures. With the election of Donald Trump, there was a noted shift in confidence among these organizations as they felt a sense of endorsement from the political landscape, emboldening their efforts to engage publicly and violently. This resurgence is highlighted by events such as the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, which marked a significant increase in visible militia activity.
Operational Security and Future Threats
In the aftermath of January 6th, armed militia groups have adapted by moving their communications and planning underground, utilizing encrypted applications to evade law enforcement scrutiny. Their operational security measures indicate a recognition of the risks involved in their activities but also a determination to continue their tactics under the radar. Reports from within these groups suggest that there is an intent to mobilize for upcoming elections, indicating a continued potential for violence and unrest. This readiness foreshadows troubling possibilities for future election-related activities, with leaders expressing disdain for previous failed attempts and an eagerness to avoid similar mistakes.
Legal and Social Implications of Militia Activities
Despite numerous state and federal laws prohibiting unlawful militia activities, such groups continue to operate with relative impunity, often engaging in vigilante conduct that flouts legal boundaries. Their rationale for existence typically involves self-identifying as defenders against government tyranny, a claim that lacks legal legitimacy under constitutional law. High-profile incidents of militia violence raise critical questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement in addressing these unlawful formations. As these groups recruit from various sectors, including active law enforcement, their integration into community structures complicates the legal landscape and poses urgent challenges to public safety.
As Donald Trump’s sentencing date approaches, he and his lawyers are throwing all the spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks. MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord break down the former president’s request to adjourn his sentencing until after the election, and the Manhattan DA’s response. Then, ProPublica reporter Joshua Kaplan joins for a deep dive into his reporting on unlawful American militia groups. Andrew and Mary talk with him about the threat these paramilitary groups pose, how they’ve used Trump’s denial of the election results for recruitment and spreading their ideology, as well as the dangers of collaboration with law enforcement.
Also a note: We're expecting a joint filing in the DC case next Tuesday, so we’ll release our episode on Wednesday so Mary and Andrew can detail what's in that filing.
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