The Tyranny Response Team (TRT) is an anti-government group composed of gun rights activists dedicated to removing any federal, state or local law currently in place in the United States, as well as any proposed legislation, that does not strictly adhere to the Bill of Rights. Specifically, TRT opposes any effort by the government or public that would remove the right of individuals to bear arms. TRT believes that those who support, create, or enforce any such law should be charged and prosecuted for violating the principles laid out by the founders of the US .
TRT was established in Colorado in 2000, and has slowly expanded its membership and reach. The group now has chapters in at least 10 US states, to include New York, Massachusetts, Florida, Texas, and the District of Colombia. The group?s leadership is composed of four directors who develop and implement the group?s national objectives. While TRT claims that its activities are within the constraints of the law, the group often uses aggressive tactics designed to command attention from a widespread audience. Furthermore, TRT vows to ?rise against any assault? by the government or other citizens that may infringe upon any right of the individual. In the mission statement of the national organization it states, ?We shall demonstrate to elected officials, public servants and the people in general, by whatever means necessary, that the Constitution of the United States of America is the Supreme Law of the Land? (source), indicating the willingness of its members to move away from peaceful measures to achieve their expressed goals.
TRT Activities
TRT predominately targets gun control groups, and on numerous occasions has significantly disrupted meetings and other events advocating limits on the possession of arms. At a Montgomery County council hearing in Maryland in February 2001, a large number of TRT members shouted threats and derogatory remarks at individuals supporting a law that would ban gun shows at a local fairground. A degree of disorder ensued, as council members were unable to regain control over the meeting.
TRT often focuses on Million Mom March (MMM) events as the group adamantly opposes the group?s gun control position. While on most occasions TRT only causes disturbances to these events, in October 2000, police forced TRT members to end a demonstration against MMM women as authorities believed the tactics used by the group jeopardized the safety of the women. Furthermore, prior to the MMM event, one of the co-founders of TRT, Bob Glass, made a statement indicating that the group may eventually use violence if those supporting gun control laws make significant headway.
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) accused TRT of anti-Semitic beliefs and practices as members of the group have frequently worn the yellow Star of David that members of the Jewish community were required to wear in Nazi Germany. Additionally, TRT members have used pictures of Holocaust victims to highlight historical evidence of governments turning against their people. The use of Holocaust imagery concerned the ADL that believed rogue members of TRT would engage in hate tactics and threaten individuals due to their race or religion.
In December 2006, a member of TRT threatened to attack the Denver International Airport by shooting down an airplane as it made its landing into the airport. The threat is currently under federal investigation.
Conclusion
Despite TRT?s claims that it only uses peaceful measures to wage its campaign against the government and gun control advocates, the risk remains that members will increasingly use violence or the threat of violence to achieve their aims. TRT has stated that it will not restrain its members from using whatever methods and force necessary to protect individual rights, and the recent threat to the Colorado Airport highlights the violent trend the group may take in the future.
