As a state lawmaker looks to ban a neo-Nazi training camp in Penobscot County, the organizer of that camp is now speaking out.
Christopher Pohlhaus bought property in Springfield. Hate watch groups say he’s a neo-Nazi and is creating a paramilitary training ground on his property there.
Pohlhaus is the leader of a group called Blood Tribe, which has protested outside drag shows.
Maine currently has laws in place that ban the forming and use of paramilitary groups, but Democratic Sen. Joe Baldacci is proposing to strengthen those laws and ban paramilitary training as well.
“They have to engage in this paramilitary as well with the intent to cause civil disorder. Civil disorder can be a threat, violence, or a threat of violence against individuals or property,” Baldacci told ABC affiliate WVII.
Baldacci said his proposed bill would ban any militia training grounds that intend to cause civil disorder, regardless of party or ideology.
“What they’re proposing to do and their silent, well not so silent protest in front of the State House, is deplorable. It doesn’t stand up to Maine values. Certainly, as a caucus we don’t support that and I don’t think any member of the Legislature supports that,” Sen. Mike Harrington, R- Sanford, told WVII.
Pohlhaus, who is identified as a neo-Nazi, spoke with WVII, saying the proposed bill would do little to impede his plan.
“It’s really got nothing to do with me. Nothing to do with me and nothing to do with what I’m doing. And it’s not going to stop me at all. It does not matter. … If they want to take all of my guns, take them. I don’t care because I can still run my mouth. See what I’m saying? None of this stuff affects me,” Pohlhaus told WVII.
Baldacci’s bill would go before the Legislative Council sometime after Oct. 1, and if it advances there, as well as in committee, it will be up for a full vote next year. The bill also would ban wearing masks for people who open carry in public places.
“He has a right to believe whatever he wants to believe, but when it moves beyond that to possible incitement of violence, then we have a right as a society to stop that,” Baldacci said.