Effort to restrict paramilitary activity in Maine advances to full Legislature

A legislative committee advanced a bill this week that would create stricter regulations to prevent paramilitary activity and “civil disorder.” 

The proposal comes after Christopher Pohlhaus, founder of the neo-Nazi white supremacist group Blood Tribe, purchased over 10 acres in Penobscot County in 2023 with the stated purpose of building a training facility. Amid public outcry over Pohlhaus and Blood Tribe — which seeks to create a white ethnostate — Pohlhaus eventually sold his land in the town of Springfield in October. 

As originally drafted, LD 2130, sponsored by Rep. Laurie Osher (D-Orono), looked to address the issue of paramilitary groups by banning training in firearms and other weapons if a person knows or reasonably should know the activity is meant to further civil disorder. The bill defines civil disorder as a violent public disturbance by two or more people that causes either immediate danger or actual harm to the public or property. 

On a 7-6 vote, the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee this week supported an amended version of a bill that would allow a person to be charged if they know or intend for such instruction to create “civil disorder.” 

Lawmakers look to curb paramilitary activity after attempted neo-Nazi compound in Maine

The bill also bars people from gathering to receive training on firearms, other weapons or techniques that could cause injury or death. Exemptions to this ban include legitimate law enforcement and military activity, military instruction, hunting, target shooting, and safe use firearm training. Additionally, the bill carves out lawful self-defense training not meant to create civil disorder.

LD 2130 authorizes the Maine Attorney General’s Office to bring a civil case to prevent a violation of the law through a temporary or permanent injunction. People could also be criminally charged, although the amended version of the bill would make violations a class D crime instead of a class C crime. Class C crimes are punishable with up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine while class D crimes levy a lower maximum penalty of 364 days behind bars and a $2,000 fine.     

The proposal divided the committee, with Rep. Nina Milliken (D-Blue Hill) joining Republicans in opposing the measure. The vote after a work session on the bill Wednesday ended in a 6-6 tie, but Sen. David LaFountain (D-Kennebec) — who was absent for the original vote — later backed the bill, breaking the deadlock.

Milliken and committee Republicans argued that the proposal is too vague and could potentially be used to prosecute a range of people for legitimate activities involving firearms training and self defense. 

“If this becomes law, I am concerned about how it’s used practically on the ground,” Milliken said. 

But other committee members said the proposal, which was written in conjunction with the Attorney General’s Office, is needed given that state officials didn’t feel they had the ability under current law to prosecute Pohlhaus for his activities in Springfield.    

“We have a legitimate way to move forward to address a potential issue that could happen, a very scary issue, and I think that we need to start from today looking at what has happened recently in Maine and a way to address it,” said Rep. Suzanne Salisbury (D-Westbrook). 

Proponents also pointed out that 26 states have similar statutes in place. 

LD 2130 now moves forward to the Maine House, where it will likely be considered in the coming weeks.