FBI arrests militia member near border, described as “armed vigilante”

The FBI arrested a 69-year-old militia member in Sunland Park on Saturday in connection with possessing firearms and ammunition as a felon, according to the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office.

The man, Larry Mitchell Hopkins, is a Flora Vista, N.M., native also known as “Johnny Horton Jr. ,” according to an FBI release.

ABC-7’s Mauricio Casillas interviewed the United Constitutional Patriots Commander in a story that aired in March.

“This country was built on three things: God, guns and guts,” Hopkins told Casillas. “That American flag has to keep flying. It’s in danger, a lot of danger right now.”

“This is a dangerous felon who should not have weapons around children and families,” said New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas. “Today’s arrest by the FBI indicates clearly that the rule of law should be in the hands of trained law enforcement officials, not armed vigilantes.”

The Flora Vista, N.M. native is expected to have an initial appearance at the federal courthouse in Las Cruces on Monday at 10:30 a.m.