An armed Philadelphia activist group that patrols city streets charges that authorities singled them out to revoke many of their concealed carry permits. But why?
The Black Lion Party for International Solidarity cites a volatile standoff with the Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) earlier in 2026 as the spark. Five members reported getting letters from the department announcing the revocations.
Group believes they were singled out after tense confrontation
The heavily armed group walks through neighborhoods wearing dark uniforms reminiscent of the old Black Panther Party. They respond to critics by declaring that they are defending local communities while on anti-violence and anti-ICE patrols.
The incident in question could have come to a tragic end on January 31. It involved several Black Lion Party members and a PPD officer in North Philadelphia.
Members claimed the officer was parked facing the wrong direction and that the vehicle partially blocked the road. One of the party told the officer to move on, but he refused, and a tense confrontation ensued, with the group saying he had his hand on his service firearm during the exchange.
Members believe they should hold the police accountable
The confrontation did not escalate into violence, and no arrests were made.
But within days, the letters appeared. According to the anti-Second Amendment outlet The Trace, officials declared they had “good cause” to revoke the licenses due to “character and reputation” issues. Recipients were also told that the January confrontation resulted in “an unreasonable danger to public safety.”
Black Lion Party Chairman Paul Birdsong is fighting back even as his permit has been yanked. He said he continues to lead armed patrols, only now with non-lethal weapons until he regains his license.
Birdsong told The Trace that the revocations were retaliation. “They just got tired of us holding them accountable, so they revoked our gun permits. They didn’t like us stepping to them—we didn’t break no laws or nothing. So, we’ve been fighting them in court.”
There’s no better way to show your patriotism than with merch that speaks before you do.
Defend America is more than a name, it’s a stand for freedom, resilience, and the values this country was built on. Every tee, hat, and mug is a symbol of unapologetic pride. Wear it loud, wear it proud, and let the world know: freedom isn’t negotiable.
Click the link below to join the movement.