UPDATE: In a major crackdown, the Western Australia Police Force has seized 135 firearms and 44 gun licences from individuals linked to the controversial ‘sovereign citizen’ movement between September 29 and October 3. This urgent operation aimed to ensure that those holding firearms in the state are fit and proper individuals, as confirmed by Police Commissioner Col Blanch.
The operation, dubbed Operation Ascendant, was initiated in response to growing concerns over anti-government extremism. Commissioner Blanch stated, “If you have made it very clear that you do not abide by the laws of Western Australia set by the parliament, then there is no way that you can be a fit and proper person to hold a firearm in Western Australia.”
This crackdown comes amid a nationwide effort to confront the rising influence of the sovereign citizen ideology, which promotes the belief that individuals are exempt from government authority and laws. Police across Australia are increasingly vigilant as they face the dangers posed by this radical belief system.
Notably, the operation is intensified by the tragic context of recent violence against law enforcement. In the past three years, six police officers have been tragically killed by firearms during routine operations. Commissioner Blanch remarked, “We take it very seriously when we conduct operations like this for the safety of police officers and the safety of our community.”
The recent spotlight on sovereign citizens has also been fueled by the ongoing search for Dezi Freeman, a suspect linked to the deaths of two police officers in Victoria. This has heightened the urgency of the Western Australia Police’s mission to validate and verify the backgrounds of firearm holders across the state.
As this situation develops, authorities will continue to monitor individuals associated with sovereign citizen ideologies to ensure public safety. The community is urged to stay informed as police efforts progress in maintaining law and order.
Stay tuned for further updates on this critical operation and its implications for public safety in Western Australia.
