Police chief in pro-gun video rant faces sack

But Mr Kessler, whose pro-gun videos have garnered hundreds of thousands of views online, has no intention of going away quietly.

With an internet radio show, speaking invitations to gun rallies around the country, and a newly formed Constitution Security Force that he claims already has chapters in 45 states, the 41-year-old coal miner-turned-policeman said his message – that the government is too big, too powerful and wants to grab guns – is resonating with a segment of the public that believes as he does.

“The support has been overwhelming, both national and international,” he said. “I find it truly amazing how many people finally said, ‘You know what? This guy’s right’.”

Today is the last day of Mr Kessler’s 30-day suspension over what Gilberton council has said was unauthorised use of the weapons. The council could decide his fate tonight.

“If that’s the price I got to pay for standing up for what I believe in, apparently for what a lot of Americans believe in, I’m willing to pay that price,” said Mr Kessler.

This week, Mr Kessler posted another foul-mouthed video in which he displayed paper targets with scary-looking clowns on them, dubbed Eric and Danny. Those are the first names of council president Daniel Malloy and vice president Eric Boxer, whom he has attacked on his website.

In an earlier video, Mr Kessler savaged US Secretary of State John Kerry as a “traitor” over a US-backed international arms treaty. “Come and take it!” he screamed, firing a machine gun.

Mr Kessler said he decided to speak out after the administration of President Barack Obama began a push for new gun laws in response to the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.