Daniel Banyai — From War Zones to Vermont: The Slate Ridge Range and a Controversial Legal Showdown

In this episode of Unleashing Intuition Secrets, host Michael Jaco sits down with security contractor Daniel Banyai to discuss his background in firearms training, an attempted military career cut short by injury, and his later work in private security operations after 9/11.

Banyai explains how he purchased 30 acres in Poultney, Vermont in 2013 and developed the Slate Ridge shooting range and training school. He describes building the facility using extensive safety berms and guidance from a declassified U.S. Army range manual designed to ensure rounds remained contained. According to Banyai, the range was equipped with the capacity to train civilians, law enforcement, and government personnel.

The conversation turns to the legal conflict that followed. Banyai alleges that local officials revoked what he says was a valid building permit years after construction began, imposed court orders restricting use of his property, and pursued criminal contempt charges against him. He further claims he was pepper-sprayed and beaten during an arrest, charged with a felony, and incarcerated — during which time the town demolished approximately $1.6 million worth of Slate Ridge infrastructure.

Banyai describes what he believes was a campaign of media misrepresentation, local political hostility, and misuse of permitting authority. He now speaks publicly about his case as an example of what he views as government overreach and property rights violations.

This episode presents Banyai’s perspective on the Slate Ridge controversy, the clash between local governance and individual property rights, and the broader debate over land use, enforcement power, and constitutional protections.

🌐 Michael Jaco: https://michaelkjaco.com