Facebook has taken down a prominent Idaho militia page as well as the senate campaign page for its president in its crackdown on groups it says promote violence.
The Real Three Percenters Of Idaho are part of a national network of loosely affiliated militia groups. The group’s page was taken offline Wednesday after Facebook announced it would shut down pages of anarchists, militia groups and the conspiracy group Qanon.
The Idaho group’s president Eric Parker criticized the decision to take down his group’s page and that of his campaign.
"The fact of the matter is that a corporation is interfering in and meddling in an Idaho election," he said.
He said Facebook did not provide an explanation other than a link to their policies.
Parker took part in the 2014 standoff with federal agents at Cliven Bundy’s Nevada ranch. He was convicted of a misdemeanor for his role.
His group’s posts have run the gamut from potato giveaways to weapons training. It also posted many memes, including some promoting the terrorist group the Irish Republican Army.
Parker’s militia has numerous supporters within Idaho’s state government, including Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin.
Facebook said the militia group’s page was banned under their new policy targeting groups promoting violence. The company did not explain the campaign page decision.
Parker has appealed Facebook’s decision.
Follow Heath Druzin on Twitter, @HDruzin
Copyright 2020 Boise State Public Radio
