The modern dissenters better be praying that there are no
Danites or Porter Rockwells to do the work of the leaders.
I say, rather than that apostates should flourish here, I will unsheath [sic] my bowie knife, and conquer or die [Great commotion in the congregation, and a simultaneous burst of feeling, assenting to the declaration.]. Now, you nasty apostates, clear out, or judgment will be put to the line, and righteousness to the plummet [Voices, generally, go it, go it.]. If you say it is right, raise your hands [All hands up.]. Let us call upon the Lord to assist us in this, and every good work.
- Prophet Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, v. 1, p. 83
...it was the imperative duty of the Church to obey the word of Joseph Smith, or the presidency, without question or inquiry, and that if there were any that would not, they should have their throats cut from ear [to] ear.
- Sidney Rigdon letter to Apostle Orson Hyde, October 21, 1844, in Nauvoo Neighbor, December 4, 1844
Punishment by death is the penalty for refusing to obey the orders of the Priesthood. I knew of many men being killed in Nauvoo by the Danites. It was then the rule that all enemies of the Prophet Joseph should be killed, and I knew of many a man who was quietly put out of the way by the orders of Joseph and his apostles while the church was there.
- Elder John D. Lee (1812 1877), Danite and adopted son of Brigham Young, John D. Lee Diaries
The ones that make the news seem to be freelancers.