In cities across the country, armed civilians have been seen alongside protestors – many peaceful – who are demanding action against police violence and racism. The situation is raising tensions at the events, as well many questions.

Who are these groups and why are they there? Are they militias? And what do our laws say about their rights to gather and patrol these demonstrations?

To help answer these questions, Diane asked Mary McCord, legal director at the Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection and visiting professor of law at Georgetown University Law Center.