At least four members of a Black Panther-style civil rights group called the Black Lion Party for International Solidarity in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, have recently lost their permits to carry firearms. This provoked outrage in the Pennsylvania city, as many believe the order was carried out with racial motivations and that it violates the Second Amendment of the United States.
According to reports from Axios, at least four members of the Black Lion Party, including its leader, Paul Birdsong, had their gun licenses revoked earlier this year. The group rose to prominence earlier this year during anti-ICE protests, when its members appeared armed during demonstrations.
In the state of Pennsylvania, firearm owners can generally openly carry their weapons, but a permit is required in the city of Philadelphia, where local police have the authority to revoke licenses.
The group’s attorney is currently trying to get the permits reinstated, challenging the local police and arguing that the revocations lack a legal basis. The city law department has reportedly declined to comment.
Philadelphia Residents React to Black Panther-Style Group’s Loss of Gun Permits
Philadelphia residents on Reddit’s r/Pennsylvania were not happy to see this happening, and many believed that the decision had racial motivations. One of them said, “Seems like a transparent violation of 2A rights. I imagine there will be a lengthy appeal. I don’t see how this is legal and not motivated by racism.”
Others criticized Republican voters for their hypocrisy, saying, “Can’t wait for all the ‘3%ers’ and the like to stand up against tyranny on this one… oh, it turns out all Republicans are just racist liars who need authoritarian leadership.” Someone else said, “This goes fully against the 2nd Amendment and the ability to have a militia. Republicans are literally anti-2nd Amendment.”
Many individuals agreed that the motivation was essentially racial, saying, “Yep, those 2A dudes get REALLY quiet suddenly when it comes to anyone but white folks being armed.” A seemingly angry person added, “Sounds like we need some white boys to team up and call themselves the White Panthers and see if the hammer still comes down.”
While it is still too early to tell whether the revocation of their licenses will stick, the incident has certainly provoked outrage in Philadelphia, and it appears that the group has at least some popular support for its actions.
