He purchased a plot of land in 2013[3] in Vermont because of the state's "constitutional carry" laws and he believed it was isolated enough from the surrounding properties to not disturb them.
[6] Banyai says that most of Slate Ridge's visitors come from out-of-state, though members of the Vermont State Militia have also trained regularly at the facility.
He managed to get another application approved several months later, though forty-six Pawlet residents signed a petition opposing his permit and afterward appealed the decision.
[3][7] Citing several threatening Facebook posts, in January 2021 a judge granted neighbor Mandy Hulett a two-year protective order against Banyai.
[11] The Vermont Environmental Court ruled against Banyai on March 4, 2021, fining him $46,000 and ordering him to remove all buildings not permitted by zoning laws.
During the event numerous visitors made use of the facility's shooting ranges, which prompted the Town of Pawlet to file a motion for civil contempt.
[12][5][13][14] On July 6, 2023, a judge on the Vermont Environmental Court ruled that Banyai be arrested until he could prove that the unpermitted buildings have been removed or demolished.