"The movement has been characterized as part of the broader
patriot movement.
[4] Founded in 2008, it was given impetus by the election of Barack Obama as president of the United States.
[4][7] Members believed that Obama's presidency would lead to increased government interference in the lives of individuals, and particularly stricter
gun-control laws.
Three Percenters believe that
ordinary citizens must take a stand against perceived abuses by the
U.S. federal government, which they characterize as overstepping its constitutional limits."