Common-law courts and other antigovernment extremists suffer legal losses, but hardliners continue to stir up trouble. 'Patriot' groups decrease in number, but are dominated by hardliners. A 'documentary' about the Waco siege twists the facts.
In the three years since the Oklahoma City bombing, a leaner, harder 'Patriot' movement has emerged, producing terrorist conspiracies and crimes on a level not seen in decades.
For years, the Montana Freemen issued 'common-law' edicts harassing local officials and others, but after a standoff with the FBI, a federal trial seems likely to topple their group.
The 'common-law courts' have been the most radical and active part of the antigovernment "Patriot" movement for the past three years, making threats and issuing dangerous false legal documents.
For many people employed as country clerks, court recorders and other government jobs, the fear of threat and attacks by an antigovernment common-law zealot never ends.
The Oklahoma City bombing has proven to be the opening shot in a new phase of right-wing terror in this country. In the three years since the attack, the radical right's antigovernment movement has spawned an escalating number of terrorist crimes and plots.
An interview with an expert on the Posse Comitatus
Hate group expert Daniel Levitas spent eight years in the Midwest researching and developing community responses to the Posse Comitatus, the Christian Identity movement and other hate groups.
A new film on the standoff and subsequent fire in Waco appears to tell the story of an overreaching, violent government intrusion, but only because it twists the facts.
Three people linked to a bomb-building neo-Nazi have been charged with conspiring to set off 14 bombs around Orlando, Fla., including several along the main access to Walt Disney World.
Fugitive bombing suspect Eric Robert Rudolph has been added to the FBI's 'Ten Most Wanted List' and a $1 million award has been offered for his arrest, while the search continues.
A group of Midwestern white supremacists allegedly plotted to bomb every state capitol building in the country and blow up the Southern Poverty Law Center.
Although the threat of terrorism is growing, only a fraction of cities earmarked to prepare for a possible terrorist attacks have actually begun training.
Patriot Games
Common-law courts and other antigovernment extremists suffer legal losses, but hardliners continue to stir up trouble. 'Patriot' groups decrease in number, but are dominated by hardliners. A 'documentary' about the Waco siege twists the facts.
In This Issue
Small Number of Patriot Groups Still Cause Big Problems
Fewer, but harder, Patriot groups in 1997
In the three years since the Oklahoma City bombing, a leaner, harder 'Patriot' movement has emerged, producing terrorist conspiracies and crimes on a level not seen in decades.
Montana Freemen Trial May Mark End of an Era
Montana Freemen trial may mark end of an era
By Leonard Zeskind
For years, the Montana Freemen issued 'common-law' edicts harassing local officials and others, but after a standoff with the FBI, a federal trial seems likely to topple their group.
Antigovernment Groups Struggle to Rule Idaho’s Bonner County
An Idaho county struggles with an insurgency
In Sandpoint, Idaho, antigovernment politics have changed a small town's way of life.
Extremists Use Countersurveillance Methods as Authorities Search for Eric Robert Rudolph
Extremists using countersurveillance methods
Small, portable equipment is now being used by extremists to listen in on law enforcement communications.
More Features
Looking Forward
27 States Act Against Antigovernment Movement’s Common Law Courts
'Common law' reels as 27 states act
The 'common-law courts' have been the most radical and active part of the antigovernment "Patriot" movement for the past three years, making threats and issuing dangerous false legal documents.
Common-Law Victims
Basis of Freemen’s Philosophy is Racism
Basis of Freemen's philosophy is racism
By Leonard Zeskind
The Montana Freeman's philosophy, while rooted in antigovernment and 'common law' ideology, is also racist.
Terrorism on the Rise Since Oklahoma City Bombing
Terrorism on the rise since Oklahoma City
The Oklahoma City bombing has proven to be the opening shot in a new phase of right-wing terror in this country. In the three years since the attack, the radical right's antigovernment movement has spawned an escalating number of terrorist crimes and plots.
Hate Group Expert Daniel Levitas Discusses Posse Comitatus, Christian Identity Movement and More
An interview with an expert on the Posse Comitatus
Hate group expert Daniel Levitas spent eight years in the Midwest researching and developing community responses to the Posse Comitatus, the Christian Identity movement and other hate groups.
Waco Documentary Rewrites the Record
Waco documentary rewrites the record
A new film on the standoff and subsequent fire in Waco appears to tell the story of an overreaching, violent government intrusion, but only because it twists the facts.
Florida Antigovernment Bomb Plot Targeted Tourist Center
Florida bomb plot targeted tourist center
Three people linked to a bomb-building neo-Nazi have been charged with conspiring to set off 14 bombs around Orlando, Fla., including several along the main access to Walt Disney World.
Briefs
Rudolph Added to FBI's Most Wanted List
Militiaman Sentenced to 18 Years
Alleged Plotters Face Trial
Arrests Spark Canadian Hate Debate
Plot Against SPLC Alleged
Klan's Free Press
Training For Terror
All in the Family
Murder By the Book