Jerry Kane
SPRINGFIELD — An increase among those who call themselves sovereign citizens and a shooting in May that killed two West Memphis police officers has prompted a watch group to release an instructional video for law enforcement.
Officials with the Southern Poverty Law Center released the video last week in an attempt to train law enforcement officials how to recognize sovereign citizens and the ways in which they should be approached, said Mark Potok, SPLC director, Intelligence Project.
“Our purpose is to save lives,” he said.
The move comes after the SPLC released an article on the subject after the West Memphis officers — Brandon Paudert, 39, and Thomas W. “Bill” Evans, 38 — were gunned down May 20 by sovereign citizens Jerry Kane, 44, and his son Joseph, 16, during a traffic stop.
Both Kanes died in a gunfight with police at a nearby Walmart parking lot later that day.
“Sovereign citizens movement is basically a subset of the militia movement,” said Potok. “The government is the primary enemy.”
As many as 300,000 Americans call themselves sovereign citizens, said Potok.
A majority of sovereigns aren’t likely to attack a police officer, but incidents like the one in May are cause for concern, said Potok.
“This was not the first time that law enforcement officers have been murdered by sovereign citizens,” he said.
The growth in the numbers of sovereign citizens “points to the fact that we need more training,” said Clark County Sheriff Gene Kelly.
Officials haven’t seen much activity locally, but law enforcement remains watchful, Kelly said.
“Nothing has surfaced lately,” said Kelly. “This is something that’s always in the back of our minds.”
The SPLC advises law enforcement to use caution when dealing with sovereign citizens, perhaps calling for backup during traffic stops when they encounter them.
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0360 or vlough@coxohio.com.
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