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A group of Buckingham County gun rights activists is making plans to hold a meeting April 25 for those interested in starting a county special task and response (STAR) team/militia.

Flyers for the group, Patriots of Buckingham, are circulating around the county, encouraging all able-bodied citizens to muster.

Text on the flyer proclaims that the nation’s Constitution is under attack and encourages readers that it is “time to stand up.”

“The Buckingham STAR Team/ Militia is open to any citizen, without regard to race, sex, creed, religion, who is above the age of 16, who supports, and will swear an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Commonwealth of Virginia,” the flyer reads.

Patriots of Buckingham representative Sam Davis responded to The Herald’s inquiries about the gathering.

Davis said the motivation for the callout is to find out if there is enough interest in the area to form a group “of like-minded citizens who believe in upholding the U.S. Constitution and the Constitution of Virginia.”

The gathering will take place April 25 at 501 Bridgeport Road in Scottsville, with registration to begin at 9 a.m. and a call to information at 10:30 a.m.

“We envision a civic-minded organization that happens to be made up predominantly of gun enthusiasts, but all are welcome,” Davis said. “A group that can help out other volunteer agencies in time of a natural or manmade disaster, or any other instance where assistance might be needed.”

He added that other roles of the group might include instructing others on the proper and safe use of firearms, encouraging voter registration and assisting in transport for those without a way to get to the polls without a way to get to the polls in order to vote.

The group looked to similar events that have taken place in Nottoway, Bedford and Campbell counties for inspiration.

Muster protocols on the circulating flyer include that volunteers must fill out a personnel information record and provide an ID and contact information for future training and events. Volunteers, according to the flyer, must be able to lawfully possess a firearm under current state laws and submit to a future vetting process. Those without a concealed-carry permit may be required to submit a criminal record search history.

The flyer highlights that those under 18 must attend with a legal guardian or written permission and absolutely no attire bearing racist or extremist symbols, flags, or statements will be permitted.

The event will include a call to formation and informal inspection of arms. All rifles must be unloaded and magazines removed during the event.

When asked how the group would respond if the state passed an assault rifle ban next year, Davis responded that the group would have to cross that bridge when they came to it.

“Presently the aim is the same as it was for this year’s legislative session— Follow the lead of the VCDL (Virginia Citizens Defense League), and do everything that we as citizens can do to fight the so called ‘assault weapons ban’ politically,” Davis said.  “This starts with the upcoming elections this November.”

He hopes the “interest meeting” will motivate citizens to become involved in the community’s political process on the local, state and federal levels.

“If you believe in upholding the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights then come join us on April 25th,” he said.