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

Clearinghouse coding complete

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 me…

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)

show all people

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
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

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 Description Date Link Date / Link
1

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

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

Clearinghouse
2

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)

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

3

NOTICE of Business Entity Disclosure Statement filing requirement. (kc) (Entered: 06/17/2025)

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

4

NOTICE/INFORMATION regarding Consent of the Parties to the Magistrate Judge. (kc) (Entered: 06/17/2025)

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

5

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)

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

6

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)

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

7

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)

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

RECAP
8

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)

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

9

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)

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

10

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)

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

11

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)

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

Annotation - PHV

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

Annotation - Bar Status

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

TN State Bar status verified as active for Benjamin K. Raybin admitted to this court. (kc)

June 17, 2025

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

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

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)

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

12

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)

June 26, 2025

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

June 26, 2025

June 26, 2025

13

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)

June 30, 2025

June 30, 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

July 3, 2025

Annotation - Deficiency Notice

July 3, 2025

July 3, 2025

14

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)

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

15

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)

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

16

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)

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

17

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)

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

18

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)

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

19

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)

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

20

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)

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

21

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)

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

22

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)

July 31, 2025

July 31, 2025

Clearinghouse
23

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)

July 31, 2025

July 31, 2025

24

SUMMONS returned executed by Deago Buck. Ryan Scott McCann served on 7/14/2025. (Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 08/06/2025)

Aug. 6, 2025

Aug. 6, 2025

25

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)

Aug. 6, 2025

Aug. 6, 2025

26

Unopposed MOTION to Continue the Initial Case Management Conference by Deago Buck. (Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 08/06/2025)

Aug. 6, 2025

Aug. 6, 2025

27

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)

Aug. 7, 2025

Aug. 7, 2025

Set/Reset Hearings

Aug. 7, 2025

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)

Aug. 7, 2025

Aug. 7, 2025

28

MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction by Louie Dunn. (Justice, Drew) (Entered: 08/13/2025)

Aug. 13, 2025

Aug. 13, 2025

RECAP
29

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)

Aug. 14, 2025

Aug. 14, 2025

30

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)

Aug. 21, 2025

Aug. 21, 2025

31

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)

Aug. 25, 2025

Aug. 25, 2025

32

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)

Aug. 26, 2025

Aug. 26, 2025

33

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

Aug. 27, 2025

Aug. 27, 2025

RECAP
34

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)

Aug. 27, 2025

Aug. 27, 2025

35

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)

Aug. 28, 2025

Aug. 28, 2025

RECAP
36

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)

Aug. 28, 2025

Aug. 28, 2025

37

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE by Deago Buck executed by the Calvert County Sheriff's Office (Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 09/12/2025)

Sept. 12, 2025

Sept. 12, 2025

38

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

Sept. 14, 2025

Sept. 14, 2025

RECAP
39

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)

Sept. 14, 2025

Sept. 14, 2025

40

Second MOTION to Continue Initial Case Management Conference by Deago Buck. (Fischer Garcia, Huey) (Entered: 09/15/2025)

Sept. 15, 2025

Sept. 15, 2025

41

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)

Sept. 15, 2025

Sept. 15, 2025

42

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)

Sept. 16, 2025

Sept. 16, 2025

RECAP

Set/Reset Hearings

Sept. 16, 2025

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)

Sept. 16, 2025

Sept. 16, 2025

43

Motion for Leave

Oct. 24, 2025

Oct. 24, 2025

44

Summons Returned Executed

Nov. 7, 2025

Nov. 7, 2025

45

Motion to Dismiss

Nov. 25, 2025

Nov. 25, 2025

RECAP
46

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)

Nov. 25, 2025

Nov. 25, 2025

Clearinghouse
47

Order on Motion to Dismiss/Lack of Jurisdiction

Nov. 25, 2025

Nov. 25, 2025

Clearinghouse
48

Motion to Dismiss

Dec. 1, 2025

Dec. 1, 2025

49

Order

Dec. 8, 2025

Dec. 8, 2025

50

Response in Opposition to Motion

Dec. 8, 2025

Dec. 8, 2025

51

Counterclaim

Dec. 9, 2025

Dec. 9, 2025

52

Proposed Case Management Order

Dec. 12, 2025

Dec. 12, 2025

53

Motion for Extension of Time to File Answer

Dec. 16, 2025

Dec. 16, 2025

54

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to Answer

Dec. 18, 2025

Dec. 18, 2025

55

Order

Dec. 18, 2025

Dec. 18, 2025

56

Case Management Order

Dec. 19, 2025

Dec. 19, 2025

Case Management Conference by Telephone

Dec. 19, 2025

Dec. 19, 2025

57

Notice (Other)

Jan. 7, 2026

Jan. 7, 2026

58

Answer to Counterclaim

Jan. 13, 2026

Jan. 13, 2026

59

Notice (Other)

Feb. 4, 2026

Feb. 4, 2026

RECAP
60

Order Setting Case for Trial

Feb. 5, 2026

Feb. 5, 2026

RECAP
61

Order

March 27, 2026

March 27, 2026

RECAP
62

Miscellaneous Relief

March 27, 2026

March 27, 2026

63

Report and Recommendation

March 27, 2026

March 27, 2026

64

Order on Motion for Miscellaneous Relief

March 30, 2026

March 30, 2026

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:

Attorneys fees

Declaratory judgment

Injunction

Relief Granted:

None yet

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