Case: Buck v. Goyim Defense League

3:25-cv-00677 | U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee

Filed Date: June 17, 2025

Case Ongoing

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Case Summary

In this case, a Black Tennessee resident sought redress after being assaulted during a ten-day rally by a Neo-Nazi organization. In July 2024, a group of Neo-Nazis called the Goyim Defense League (GDL) traveled to Nashville for a ten-day campaign to intimidate and terrorize Jewish and Black residents. The GDL (defendants) wove swastika flags, threatened Black and Jewish people, screamed racist and antisemitic slurs and obscenities, disrupted a public city council meeting, assaulted two young men, and harassed young Black children. They also passed through the plaintiff’s workplace and allegedly hurled antisemitic and racially charged language at him. The plaintiff is a biracial 19-year-old with a Black father.

On June 17, 2025, the plaintiff brought an individual complaint against the defendants in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee. Judge Eli J. Richardson was assigned to the case. First, the plaintiff alleged that the defendants deprived him of Equal Protection under the Klan Act, 42 U.S.C. §1985(3) by violating his Thirteenth Amendment right to be free from racial violence. He alleged that the defendants schemed, coordinated, and executed a plan to target him and Nashville’s Black and Jewish communities during the ten-day event. He also alleged that the leaders of the defendants’ organization violated 42 U.S.C. §1986 by aiding and abetting in the §1985 allegations. He argued that the organization’s leadership was in a position to prevent the ten-day event, but did not. Lastly, the plaintiff alleged state law claims of battery, assault, and malicious harassment.

The plaintiff sought a declaratory judgment, which would indicate that the defendants’ actions deprived the plaintiff of his rights under federal and state law. The plaintiff also sought injunctive relief to enjoin the defendants from violating the plaintiff’s rights in the future. The plaintiff also sought appropriate damages and attorney’s fees. The plaintiff is represented by Raybin & Weissman, P.C. (a private firm), the Southern Poverty Law Center (a civil rights organization), and Joseph Greenwald & Laake, P.A. (also a private firm).

On July 31, 2025 and August 13, 2025, the defendants filed motions to dismiss the case for a lack of subject-matter jurisdiction. The defendants argued that they did not conspire to take a federal right away from the plaintiff, thus the plaintiff had no federal claim. Moreover, the defendants argued that without a federal claim, the court could not assert supplemental jurisdiction over the state law battery, assault, and malicious harassment claims.

On November 25, 2025, the court denied the defendants’ motion to dismiss. First, the court held that the plaintiff sufficiently pleaded the §1985(3) claim because, although there is no SCOTUS precedent about a right to be free from racial violence under the Thirteenth Amendment, many lower courts have recognized this right. The court adopted the logic of these lower courts. The court also used a similar logic from lower courts to hold that there is a right to access public amenities and public accommodations under the Thirteenth Amendment. Second, the court held that the plaintiff sufficiently pleaded the §1986 claim. Third, because the court held that there was federal subject-matter jurisdiction based on the §1985(3) and §1986 claims, the court could assert supplemental jurisdiction over the state law claims.

As of April 2, 2026, the case is ongoing as discovery continues.

Summary Authors

Ameya Kamani (4/2/2026)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/70564069/parties/buck-v-goyim-defense-league/

Judge(s)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Garcia, Huey Lagarto (Tennessee)

Gordon, Arusha (Tennessee)

Littrell, Elizabeth (Tennessee)

McCoy, Scott D. (Tennessee)

Attorney for Defendant

Justice, Drew (Tennessee)

Judge(s)

Richardson, Eli Jeremy (Tennessee)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Garcia, Huey Lagarto (Tennessee)

Gordon, Arusha (Tennessee)

Littrell, Elizabeth (Tennessee)

McCoy, Scott D. (Tennessee)

Raybin, Benjamin K. (Tennessee)

White, Erika Jacobsen (Tennessee)

Attorney for Defendant

Justice, Drew (Tennessee)

Attorney Contact Information via CourtListener

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case

1 3:25-cv-00677	Complaint	June 17, 2025	June 17, 2025 Complaint
22 3:25-cv-00677	Motion to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction Buck v. Goyim Defense League et al.	July 31, 2025	July 31, 2025 Pleading / Motion / Brief
46 3:25-cv-00677	Memorandum Opinion Buck v. Goyim Defense League et al.	Nov. 25, 2025	Nov. 25, 2025 Order/Opinion 2025 WL 3281595
47 3:25-cv-00677	Order Buck v. Goyim Defense League et al.	Nov. 25, 2025	Nov. 25, 2025 Order/Opinion

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Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/70564069/buck-v-goyim-defense-league/

Last updated April 2, 2026, 12:03 p.m.

ECF Number	Date	Description	Link
1	June 17, 2025	COMPLAINT against Nicholas Alan Bysheim, Louie Dunn, Colby Alexander Franks, Goyim Defense League, John Does 1-10, Ryan Scott McCann, Jon Minadeo, II, Zane Fenton Morris (Filing fee $405, Receipt number ATNMDC-4345108), filed by Deago Buck. (Attachments: # 1 Attachment - Civil Cover Sheet)(kc) (Entered: 06/17/2025) 1 Attachment - Civil Cover Sheet View on PACER	Clearinghouse
2	June 17, 2025	NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 217 to parties re obligation of counsel to keep Court apprised of current contact information. (kc) (Entered: 06/17/2025)	RECAP
3	June 17, 2025	NOTICE of Business Entity Disclosure Statement filing requirement. (kc) (Entered: 06/17/2025)	RECAP
4	June 17, 2025	NOTICE/INFORMATION regarding Consent of the Parties to the Magistrate Judge. (kc) (Entered: 06/17/2025)	RECAP
5	June 17, 2025	NOTICE of Initial Case Management Conference by Telephone is set for 8/13/2025 at 09:30 AM before Magistrate Judge Alistair Newbern. (kc) (Entered: 06/17/2025)	RECAP
6	June 17, 2025	MOTION for attorney Erika Jacobsen White to Appear Pro Hac Vice (paid $150 PHV fee; receipt number ATNMDC-4345528) by Deago Buck. (Raybin, Benjamin) (Entered: 06/17/2025)	RECAP
7	June 17, 2025	MOTION for attorney Arusha Gordon to Appear Pro Hac Vice (paid $150 PHV fee; receipt number ATNMDC-4345530) by Deago Buck. (Raybin, Benjamin) (Entered: 06/17/2025)	RECAP
8	June 17, 2025	MOTION for attorney Elizabeth Littrell to Appear Pro Hac Vice (paid $150 PHV fee; receipt number ATNMDC-4345534) by Deago Buck. (Raybin, Benjamin) (Entered: 06/17/2025)	RECAP
9	June 17, 2025	MOTION for attorney Huey Fischer Garcia to Appear Pro Hac Vice (paid $150 PHV fee; receipt number ATNMDC-4345537) by Deago Buck. (Raybin, Benjamin) (Entered: 06/17/2025)	RECAP
10	June 17, 2025	MOTION for attorney Scott D. McCoy to Appear Pro Hac Vice (paid $150 PHV fee; receipt number ATNMDC-4345542) by Deago Buck. (Raybin, Benjamin) (Entered: 06/17/2025)	RECAP
11	June 17, 2025	ORDER: This case is REFERRED to the Magistrate Judge for customized case management in accordance with Local Rule 16.01 and 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1)(A). This case shall be set for trial upon completion of the initial case management conference by order of the District Court in accordance with the procedures of Local Rule 16.01. Signed by District Judge Eli J. Richardson on 6/17/2025. (DOCKET TEXT SUMMARY ONLY-ATTORNEYS MUST OPEN THE PDF AND READ THE ORDER.)(ch) (Entered: 06/17/2025)	RECAP
	June 17, 2025	Annotation - PHV
	June 17, 2025	Annotation - Bar Status
	June 17, 2025	TN State Bar status verified as active for Benjamin K. Raybin admitted to this court. (kc)
	June 17, 2025	State Bar status verified as active for Scott D. McCoy (FL), Arusha Gordon (DC), Erika Jacobsen White (MD) not admitted to this court - Local counsel secured. (kc)
	June 17, 2025	NOTICE TO COUNSEL Scott D. McCoy, Elizabeth Littrell, Arusha Gordon, Huey Fischer Garcia, Erika Jacobsen White: WITHIN 21 DAYS, counsel shall file a Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice, a Certificate of Good Standing signed by the Clerk of a United States District Court or a U. S. appellate court where admitted, and pay a fee of $150.00 (LR 83.01(b)). PHV due by 7/8/2025. (kc)
	June 17, 2025	State Bar status verified as active for Elizabeth Littrell (GA), Huey Fischer Garcia [LA] not admitted to this court - Local counsel secured. (kc)
12	June 26, 2025	ORDER granting 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 : Having satisfied the requirements of Local Rule 83.01(b), the Motions for Erika Jacobsen White, Arusha Gordon, Elizabeth Littrell, Huey Fischer Garcia, and Scott D. McCoy to Appear Pro Hac Vice are granted. Signed by Clerk of Court Lynda M. Hill on 06/26/2025. (lh) (Entered: 06/26/2025)	RECAP
	June 26, 2025	Appear Pro Hac Vice AND Appear Pro Hac Vice AND Appear Pro Hac Vice AND Appear Pro Hac Vice AND Appear Pro Hac Vice
13	June 30, 2025	Additional Attachments to Main Document re: 1 Complaint,. (Attachments: # 1 Attachment Summons to Goyim Defense League, # 2 Attachment Summons to Jon Minadeo, # 3 Attachment Summons to Louie Dunn, # 4 Attachment Summons to Nicholas Bysheim, # 5 Attachment Summons to Ryan Scott McCann, # 6 Attachment Summons to Zane Morris, # 7 Attachment Summons to Colby Franks)(Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 06/30/2025)	RECAP
	July 3, 2025	NOTICE TO FILER re DE# 13 : The wrong event was used. The correct event should be Notice of Summons to be Issued. (ch)
	July 3, 2025	Annotation - Deficiency Notice
14	July 7, 2025	NOTICE of Summons to be Issued as to Goyim Defense League, Jon Minadeo II. Counsel is responsible for printing and serving the summons after it is issued by the Clerk's Office. (Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 07/07/2025)	RECAP
15	July 7, 2025	NOTICE of Summons to be Issued as to Jon Minadeo II. Counsel is responsible for printing and serving the summons after it is issued by the Clerk's Office. (Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 07/07/2025)	RECAP
16	July 7, 2025	NOTICE of Summons to be Issued as to Colby Alexander Franks. Counsel is responsible for printing and serving the summons after it is issued by the Clerk's Office. (Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 07/07/2025)	RECAP
17	July 7, 2025	NOTICE of Summons to be Issued as to Louie Dunn. Counsel is responsible for printing and serving the summons after it is issued by the Clerk's Office. (Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 07/07/2025)	RECAP
18	July 7, 2025	NOTICE of Summons to be Issued as to Nicholas Alan Bysheim. Counsel is responsible for printing and serving the summons after it is issued by the Clerk's Office. (Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 07/07/2025)	RECAP
19	July 7, 2025	NOTICE of Summons to be Issued as to Ryan Scott McCann. Counsel is responsible for printing and serving the summons after it is issued by the Clerk's Office. (Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 07/07/2025)	RECAP
20	July 7, 2025	NOTICE of Summons to be Issued as to Zane Fenton Morris. Counsel is responsible for printing and serving the summons after it is issued by the Clerk's Office. (Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 07/07/2025)	RECAP
21	July 9, 2025	Summons issued as to Nicholas Alan Bysheim, Louie Dunn, Colby Alexander Franks, Goyim Defense League, Ryan Scott McCann, Jon Minadeo, II, Zane Fenton Morris. (ch) (Entered: 07/09/2025)	RECAP
22	July 31, 2025	MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction by Nicholas Alan Bysheim, Goyim Defense League, Ryan Scott McCann, Jon Minadeo, II, Zane Fenton Morris. (Justice, Drew) (Entered: 07/31/2025)	Clearinghouse
23	July 31, 2025	MEMORANDUM in Support of 22 MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction filed by Nicholas Alan Bysheim, Goyim Defense League, Ryan Scott McCann, Jon Minadeo, II, Zane Fenton Morris. (Justice, Drew) (Entered: 07/31/2025)	RECAP
24	Aug. 6, 2025	SUMMONS returned executed by Deago Buck. Ryan Scott McCann served on 7/14/2025. (Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 08/06/2025)	RECAP
25	Aug. 6, 2025	AFFIDAVIT of Service for Complaint and Summons executed by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office served on Louie Dunn on 07/23/2025, filed by Deago Buck. (Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 08/06/2025)	RECAP
26	Aug. 6, 2025	Unopposed MOTION to Continue the Initial Case Management Conference by Deago Buck. (Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 08/06/2025)	RECAP
27	Aug. 7, 2025	ORDER: On August 6, 2025, Plaintiff Deago Buck filed an unopposed motion to continue the initial case management conference set on August 13, 2025. (Doc. No. 26 ). The motion is GRANTED. The initial case management conference is CONTINUED to September 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Signed by Magistrate Judge Alistair Newbern on 8/7/2025. (DOCKET TEXT SUMMARY ONLY-ATTORNEYS MUST OPEN THE PDF AND READ THE ORDER.)(ch) (Entered: 08/07/2025)	RECAP
	Aug. 7, 2025	Set/Reset Hearings
	Aug. 7, 2025	Reset Hearing: Initial Case Management Conference by Telephone is reset for 9/22/2025 at 10:00 AM before Magistrate Judge Alistair Newbern. (ch)
28	Aug. 13, 2025	MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction by Louie Dunn. (Justice, Drew) (Entered: 08/13/2025)	RECAP
29	Aug. 14, 2025	RESPONSE in Opposition re 28 MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction, 22 MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction filed by Deago Buck. (Littrell, Elizabeth) (Entered: 08/14/2025)	RECAP
30	Aug. 21, 2025	MEMORANDUM in Support of 28 MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction, 22 MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction filed by Nicholas Alan Bysheim, Louie Dunn, Goyim Defense League, Ryan Scott McCann, Jon Minadeo, II, Zane Fenton Morris REPLY MEMORANDUM. (Justice, Drew) (Entered: 08/21/2025)	RECAP
31	Aug. 25, 2025	NOTICE of Alias Summons to be Issued as to Colby Alexander Franks. Counsel is responsible for printing and serving the summons after it is issued by the Clerk's Office. (Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 08/25/2025)	RECAP
32	Aug. 26, 2025	ALIAS SUMMONS ISSUED as to Colby Alexander Franks. Counsel is responsible for printing and serving the summons after it is issued by the Clerk's Office. (ch) (Entered: 08/26/2025)	RECAP
33	Aug. 27, 2025	Unopposed MOTION for Leave to to file Sur-reply in Opposition to Defendants' Motions to Dismiss re 28 MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction, 22 MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction by Deago Buck. (Attachments: # 1 Attachment Brief)(Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 08/27/2025) 1 Attachment Brief View on PACER	RECAP
34	Aug. 27, 2025	AFFIDAVIT of Service for Summons and Complaint served on Zane Fenton Morris on 08/04/2025, filed by Deago Buck. (Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 08/27/2025)	RECAP
35	Aug. 28, 2025	ORDER: This motion (Doc. No. 33 ), being unopposed, is GRANTED. The Clerk shall enter the attached sur-reply (Doc. No. 33 -1) in opposition to Defendants Motions to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction (Doc. Nos. 22 and 28 ). Signed by District Judge Eli J. Richardson on 8/28/2025. (ch) (Entered: 08/28/2025)	RECAP
36	Aug. 28, 2025	SUR-REPLY filed by Deago Buck re 22 MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction and 28 MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction.(ch) (Entered: 08/28/2025)	RECAP
37	Sept. 12, 2025	CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE by Deago Buck executed by the Calvert County Sheriff's Office (Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 09/12/2025)	RECAP
38	Sept. 14, 2025	AFFIDAVIT of Service for Summons and Complaint via Refusal of Delivery served on Jon Minadeo II on 07/15/2025, filed by Deago Buck. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Ex. A -- Envelope & Green Card, # 2 Exhibit Ex. B -- U.S.P.S. Tracking)(Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 09/14/2025) 1 Exhibit Ex. A -- Envelope & Green Card View on PACER 2 Exhibit Ex. B -- U.S.P.S. Tracking View on PACER	RECAP
39	Sept. 14, 2025	AFFIDAVIT of Service for Summons and Complaint via Refusal of Delivery served on Goyim Defense League on 07/15/2025, filed by Deago Buck. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A -- Envelope & Green Card, # 2 Exhibit B -- U.S.P.S. Tracking)(Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 09/14/2025)	RECAP
40	Sept. 15, 2025	Second MOTION to Continue Initial Case Management Conference by Deago Buck. (Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 09/15/2025)	RECAP
41	Sept. 15, 2025	MOTION for Extension of Time to Serve Defendant Colby Alexander Frank by Deago Buck. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A -- Unsworn Declaration of Huey Fischer Garcia, # 2 Attachment Proposed Order)(Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 09/15/2025)	RECAP
42	Sept. 16, 2025	ORDER: Plaintiff Deago Buck has filed a second motion to continue the initial case management conference now set on September 22, 2025 (Doc. No. 40 ) and a motion to extend the time to serve Defendant Colby Alexander Frank under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 4(m) (Doc. No. 41 ). The Court GRANTS Buck's motion to continue the initial case management conference and GRANTS IN PART his motion to extend the service deadline as follows: The deadline to serve Defendant Frank is EXTENDED to November 17, 2025. The initial case management conference is RESET for December 15, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Signed by Magistrate Judge Alistair Newbern on 9/16/2025. (DOCKET TEXT SUMMARY ONLY-ATTORNEYS MUST OPEN THE PDF AND READ THE ORDER.)(ch) (Entered: 09/16/2025)	RECAP
	Sept. 16, 2025	Set/Reset Hearings
	Sept. 16, 2025	Reset Hearing: Initial Case Management Conference by Telephone is reset for 12/15/2025 at 10:00 AM before Magistrate Judge Alistair Newbern. (ch)
43	Oct. 24, 2025	Motion for Leave	RECAP
44	Nov. 7, 2025	Summons Returned Executed	RECAP
45	Nov. 25, 2025	Motion to Dismiss	RECAP
46	Nov. 25, 2025	MEMORANDUM OPINION. Signed by District Judge Eli J. Richardson on 11/25/2025. (DOCKET TEXT SUMMARY ONLY-ATTORNEYS MUST OPEN THE PDF AND READ THE ORDER.)(ch)	Clearinghouse
47	Nov. 25, 2025	Order on Motion to Dismiss/Lack of Jurisdiction	Clearinghouse
48	Dec. 1, 2025	Motion to Dismiss	RECAP
49	Dec. 8, 2025	Order	RECAP
50	Dec. 8, 2025	Response in Opposition to Motion	RECAP
51	Dec. 9, 2025	Counterclaim	RECAP
52	Dec. 12, 2025	Proposed Case Management Order	RECAP
53	Dec. 16, 2025	Motion for Extension of Time to File Answer	RECAP
54	Dec. 18, 2025	Order on Motion for Extension of Time to Answer	RECAP
55	Dec. 18, 2025	Order	RECAP
56	Dec. 19, 2025	Case Management Order	RECAP
	Dec. 19, 2025	Case Management Conference by Telephone
57	Jan. 7, 2026	Notice (Other)	RECAP
58	Jan. 13, 2026	Answer to Counterclaim	RECAP
59	Feb. 4, 2026	Notice (Other)	RECAP
60	Feb. 5, 2026	Order Setting Case for Trial	RECAP
61	March 27, 2026	Order	RECAP
62	March 27, 2026	Miscellaneous Relief	RECAP
63	March 27, 2026	Report and Recommendation	RECAP
64	March 30, 2026	Order on Motion for Miscellaneous Relief	RECAP

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Case Details

State / Territory:

Tennessee

Case Type(s):

Public Accommodations/ Contracting/ Organizational Discrimination

Special Collection(s):

Litigation Against Hate Groups

Key Dates

Filing Date: June 17, 2025

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

19-year-old Black Tennessee resident

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

Southern Poverty Law Center

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1985

Constitutional Clause(s):

Equal Protection

Slavery/Involuntary servitude

Other Dockets:

Middle District of Tennessee 3:25-cv-00677

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Relief Sought:

Relief Granted:

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

General/Misc.:

Aggressive behavior

Pattern or Practice

Racial profiling

Discrimination Area:

Disparate Treatment

Discrimination Basis:

Race discrimination

Religion discrimination

Affected Race(s):

Black

Affected Religion(s):

Judaism

Recommended Citation

Case Summary of Buck v. Goyim Defense League, Civil Rights Litig. Clearinghouse, http://www.dev.clearinghouse.net/case/47818/ (last updated 4/2/2026).