Sov Citizens
UPDATE: A significant police operation in Western Australia has just resulted in the seizure of 135 firearms and the cancellation of 44 licenses as authorities crack down on individuals identified as part of the sovereign citizen movement. This urgent action follows a deadly incident involving Dezi Freeman, who is accused of killing two police officers on August 26.
Police Commissioner Col Blanch announced on Sunday that the crackdown targeted members of the Sovereign Peoples Assembly of WA (SPAWA), deeming them “not fit and proper” to hold firearms licenses due to their radical beliefs. “If you have made it very clear that you do not abide by the laws of Western Australia, there is no way you can be a fit and proper person to hold a firearm,” Blanch stated.
The operation, dubbed Ascendant, spanned five days and involved extensive intelligence gathering. Officers from the secretive State Security Investigation Group collaborated with data analysts to execute this operation, which is part of a broader effort to address the risks posed by the sovereign citizen ideology.
Among those affected was Donna Hopkinson, a member of SPAWA who had her firearms taken away. She expressed her frustration, stating, “I don’t have a criminal record. I’ve had a firearms license for 15 years.” Hopkinson, who operates on a farm with her husband in the Albany area, insisted that their lifestyle is peaceful and compliant with the law.
“We’re farming people, and everything we do is peaceful,” she added, emphasizing that their communication with authorities is also non-confrontational. Despite this, Hopkinson and her fellow members have been unable to secure a meeting with Blanch to discuss their concerns.
The police operation targeted over 1,000 sovereign citizens in WA, and its implications are being felt across the community. Blanch highlighted that this crackdown is necessary for the protection of both the public and police officers, given the rising violence linked to sovereign citizen activities. “In the last three years, six police officers have been murdered by firearms,” he noted, stressing the urgency behind the operation.
Police also conducted 26 firearm storage inspections, leading to 18 charges, including drug offenses, against seven individuals. Local authorities are taking a proactive approach, with similar measures being considered in jurisdictions across Australia.
The police minister, Reece Whitby, supported the crackdown, stating, “Not every sovereign citizen has the potential to be a danger to the community, but some are, and that is a risk we cannot take.” He praised the professionalism of the police involved in this potentially dangerous operation.
As the situation develops, Blanch indicated that appeals may arise in the State Administrative Tribunal as affected individuals seek to challenge the cancellations of their licenses. The community remains on edge as the implications of these actions unfold.
Local residents and lawful gun owners have expressed concerns about the crackdown, with many offering information to assist police efforts. This situation continues to evolve, and the police remain vigilant in monitoring the activities of sovereign citizens to ensure community safety.
The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated, and as authorities take a firmer stance, community members are encouraged to stay informed and engaged. The ramifications of this crackdown will likely reverberate throughout Western Australia and beyond in the coming days.
