2A Stand Off in New York State

Whiskey_warrior_556

Instagrammer (Alex) Whiskey_warrior_556 is allegedly in a standoff with police in Putnam County, New York, regarding a "red flag" gun confiscation order supposedly over 30 round magazines. As of this writing, it has been reported that the situation has ended, but that is unconfirmed.

What we (think we) know is:

• The standoff began this afternoon and Whiskey_warrior_556 posted a video online
• Reports of 50-100 individuals from as far away as Pennsylvania responded to support Whiskey_warrior_556 and deter an aggressive police response
• Whiskey_warrior_556 is rumored to have recently separated from his wife who may have taken the child and applied for the order
• Whiskey_warrior_556 is apparently an Army veteran
• SWAT teams are arresting patriots who showed up in support
• 911 lines are jammed and regular police radio traffic has been disrupted and shifted frequencies due to patriot monitoring

We don't know if:

• Whiskey_warrior_556's complaint of frivolous confiscation is correct
• We don't know what led up to the alleged stand-off

Based on the online response, many supporters are calling for a response similar to the Bundy Ranch. That is, should police make an aggressive apprehension, the crowd is there to deter that action because of the threat of violence. Many are asking if this is the "bugaloo" or the start of armed resistance to gun control. 

What is becoming clear is that as "red flag" confiscations increase, for right or wrong reasons, certain individuals may publicize their actions in order to gain support. This support may include asking for an armed response by patriots or even attacking police. We came very close to just such a situation involving the Bundy family in 2014.

I believe in the future "red flag" raids will begin to be resisted by force and supporters will start to attack police. This would be an insurrection and be met with heavy resistance by police, federal agents, and possibly even the military. As America continues to fracture and our rights trampled upon, injudicious law enforcement and patriotic support will eventually lead to open violence between citizens and the government. 

I see more Ruby Ridge and Waco incidents happening, only with the involvement of outside forces. Because we do not know the true circumstances or facts surrounding Whiskey_warrior_556, we can't know if showing up to essentially intimidate the police is a morally justifiable action. Engaging in this kind of civil disobedience has not just legal consequences like Nevada is familiar with, but could lead to kinetic consequences.

Therefore, I would caution anyone drawn to support a person in this situation to act as circumspectly as possible and with as much restraint as they can. Finally, as Thomas Jefferson said, the conditions when violent resistance to tyranny is appropriate is as follows: 

Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.

Be damn sure that you know what you're getting into before you start marching on Lexington Common.

Update: Sources on Twitter are reporting that the situation has ended with no arrests, no charges for Whiskey_warrior_445