WIRED Politics Lab
The Far-Right Constitutional Sheriffs Gearing Up to Challenge the 2024 Election
Oct 24, 2024
David Gilbert, a WIRED reporter, dives into the controversial world of Constitutional Sheriffs—lawmen who believe they operate above federal and state law. He discusses their alarming rise, their ties to election denial, and how one rogue sheriff could potentially disrupt the 2024 election. Gilbert highlights the troubling alliance between these sheriffs and armed groups, exploring their tactics that threaten electoral integrity and intimidate voters, especially in minority communities. The implications for democracy are profound and concerning.
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Quick takeaways
- Constitutional sheriffs operate under a belief of unilateral authority, rejecting state and federal oversight, which poses severe risks to democratic processes.
- The growing alliance between constitutional sheriffs and militias reflects a dangerous trend towards paramilitary action that undermines accountability in law enforcement.
Deep dives
Constitutional Sheriffs' Ideology
Constitutional sheriffs believe that their primary role is to protect the citizens of their counties and assert that they are answerable only to the Constitution and the citizens themselves. This perspective leads them to reject directives from federal or state agencies, claiming ultimate authority over their jurisdiction. Their ideology cites a letter from Thomas Jefferson, misinterpreting it as a validation of their power while ignoring the context regarding checks and balances. This creates a dangerous belief that they can selectively ignore laws they deem unconstitutional, which is not supported by legal precedent.
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