Viper Case
On July 1, 1996, 12 members of a group styled the "Vipers" were
arrested in Phoenix, charged with several federal crimes. They were labeled a "militia"
by federal PR flacks, so we are reporting on the case here. At this time all the
facts in the case are not clear, but it is being investigated by responsible
militia activists. Here are some of their reports, comments and other relevant
information.
- 96/07/02 -- Indictment of the accused.
- 96/07/03 -- Statutes cited in the indictment.
- 96/07/03 -- Article, San Jose Mercury News --
Viper founder was once suspected of being FBI plant, by Carol Morello and Gwen
Florio
- 96/07/03 -- Article, Sacramento Bee -- Militia
not shy about its arms, by Sam Stanton.
- 96/07/04 -- Letter to editor of Sacramento Bee
by Jon Roland
- 96/07/03 -- Report from the Militia of Montana,
forwarded by Rule of Law Committee.
- 96/07/03 -- Report from Arizona militia
activist Ernest Hancock on meeting with state senator.
- 96/07/07 -- Report from Harry P. Bibee III of
the Tennessee Volunteer Militia.
- 96/07/07 -- Article, Reuters -- Video Shows
Ariz. Militia Detonating Bombs
- 96/07/10 -- Koppel Slams Feds on Viper --
Transcript of ABC Nightline.
- 96/07/14 -- Viper Case Snakebit? -- L.A.
Times report; comments by J. Orlin Grabbe
- 96/07/14 -- Rep. Kolbe Criticizes Government on
Viper Case -- William F. Rawson, A.P.
- 96/07/16 -- Vipers according to Newsweek (1/3)
- 96/07/16 -- Vipers according to Newsweek (2/3)
- 96/07/16 -- Vipers according to Newsweek (3/3)
- 96/07/16 -- Viper Defense Fund
- 96/07/17 -- Column, Las Vegas Review-Journal,
by Vin Suprynowicz
Also see the following documents regarding the constitutional issues in this
case.
- Constitutional Issues in the Viper Case,
by Jon Roland
Concurring opinion of Supreme Court
Justice Clarence Thomas in the case of U.S. v. Lopez, which struck down
federal gun control statute. Attacks "substantial effect"
interpretation of Interstate Commerce Clause, on which the statutes used in
Viper case are based.
Federal Jurisdiction -- Legal brief by attorney Larry Becraft. Cites
which show federal government has no jurisdiction in Viper case.
Jefferson: Federal Criminal Powers
Limited -- Definitive word from a Founder on federal criminal jurisdiction.
Constitution Research Home Page
Militias Page
National Militia
Directory