People's Rights started as a poorly-attended meeting in a drafty Idaho warehouse. But anti-government activist Ammon Bundy has grown his network to more than 30,000 people nationwide, ready to mobilize and fight the government on a moment's notice — a kind of militia on-demand.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

The modern militia movement started, in part, in Lee Miracle's living room. In 1994, a bunch of guys incensed about the deadly government sieges at Ruby Ridge, Idaho and Waco, Texas gathered there. They talked about what they would do if the government came knocking on their door and agreed, they'd want backup.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

The hubbub began on once-sleepy South Whidbey Island, Washington in 2020 in the unlikeliest of places: a local grange hall. A militia group, the Washington III Percent, quietly took over the small, agriculture-centered community center and started shutting everyone else out. Then they took aim at local schools, where students were demanding more inclusion for LGBTQ+ students and students of color.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Eric Parker went to a ranch in Nevada, pointed his rifle at federal agents, then beat the feds in court. It made him a folk hero in the militia movement. And he's worked hard to soften the image of his militia. Instead of fighting the government, he's become an increasingly powerful political force pulling the state GOP even farther right. Now he's after a new title: state Senator in Idaho.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

In episode one, Heath camps out at a militia training with camouflage-clad recruits shooting guns and practicing first-aid deep in the woods. The leader of the group explains why he shows up armed with his guys to tense protests like the deadly showdown in Charlottesville, Va. We shine a light on what's motivating people in the militia movement and their chilling outlook for the future.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Extremely American Season 1 takes you inside militias and other far-right groups trying to remake America in their absolutist image. These groups are quietly growing larger, influencing elections across the country from school boards to U.S. Congress. For more than a year, creator and host Heath Druzin criss-crossed the country to meet with these groups — and the people pushing back against them.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy