HOUSTON – A recent deadly shooting involving a “sovereign citizen” and Harris County deputies has many asking “What is a sovereign citizen and what rights do they have?”
In simple terms, a sovereign citizen is an individual who believes they are not subject to the laws and regulations of the government. They typically claim to possess a unique status or immunity that exempts them from legal authority. This ideology stems from a range of conspiracy theories and distorted interpretations of legal concepts.
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Sovereign citizens often engage in tactics such as filing frivolous lawsuits, creating fraudulent documents, or using obscure legal arguments to justify their actions. According to the Anti-Defamation League, “sovereign citizens engage in a large amount of criminal activity, including 1) harassment and retaliation tactics collectively known as “paper terrorism,” 2) scams and frauds, sometimes large in scope, and 3) violence, including armed standoffs, shootouts, murders and terrorist plots.” They reject the legitimacy of government institutions, including law enforcement, courts, and taxation systems.
In the case that unfolded Sunday afternoon in northwest Harris County a man involved in the shootout identified himself as a sovereign citizen and resisted orders from the deputies. This ultimately led to a pursuit, gunfire, and his death.
Courts have consistently ruled against their arguments, considering them without merit. Engaging with a sovereign citizen can be challenging, as they may be confrontational and uncooperative.
Law enforcement agencies across the country have recognized the need for specialized training to effectively handle encounters with sovereign citizens. They are trained to identify signs of sovereign citizen ideology and employ de-escalation techniques where possible.