A new bill proposed by Democratic Senators aims to impose strict regulations on militia activities in the United States, seeking to prevent events like the January 6 Capitol protests.

By yourNEWS Media Staff

Democratic Senators Ed Markey of Massachusetts and Jamie Raskin of Maryland have proposed the “Preventing Private Paramilitary Activity Act” on the anniversary of the January 6 Capitol protests. This bill aims to create criminal penalties for individuals engaging in militia activities that include intimidating elected officials, interfering with government proceedings, and impersonating law enforcement officers.

Senator Markey, in a news release, stated that the bill is designed to prevent incidents like the January 6 attack, which he attributed to white supremacists affiliated with paramilitary organizations. Representative Raskin echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the threat posed by militia groups like the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers to democracy and the rule of law.

Three years ago, white supremacists linked to paramilitary groups stormed the US Capitol. With these forces of violent extremism posing serious threats to democracy and the rule of law, we must pass my and @RepRaskin’s Preventing Private Paramilitary Activity Act. https://t.co/jyNgCQ3O4w

— Ed Markey (@SenMarkey) January 11, 2024

The bill, as reported by Vice News, would prohibit public patrolling, drilling, or engaging in harmful or deadly paramilitary activities. It also targets behaviors such as interrupting government proceedings, interfering with constitutional rights, falsely assuming the role of law enforcement, and training for such activities. The proposed legislation includes various tiers of criminal penalties and allows for civil lawsuits against paramilitary activity.

Despite the fact that all 50 states currently prohibit private paramilitary activity, there are no federal laws governing it. This bill seeks to address that gap. However, it has drawn criticism for potentially conflicting with the Second Amendment’s language regarding “a well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State.”

The bill’s introduction follows Enrique Tarrio, the Proud Boys leader, receiving a 22-year prison sentence despite not being present in Washington, D.C. during the Capitol riots.

The legislation also does not address the role of federal assets allegedly involved in instigating chaotic activities at the Capitol on January 6, 2021, as suggested by some reports,