UPDATE: In an escalating situation, members of the Sovereign Peoples Assembly of WA (SPAWA) are urgently demanding a meeting with Police Commissioner Col Blanch after a major police operation resulted in the seizure of 135 firearms and the cancellation of 44 licenses across Western Australia. This comes in the wake of concerns surrounding the beliefs of self-identified sovereign citizens, who have been deemed unfit to hold firearms licenses.
During a crackdown that lasted five days, WA Police targeted individuals classified as sovereign citizens following the tragic death of two police officers during a warrant execution near Melbourne on August 26. The operation, codenamed “Ascendant,” aimed to address the growing risks posed by this movement, which does not recognize Australian laws.
Commissioner Blanch stated that many of those affected had previously owned firearms legally but were no longer considered fit and proper due to their expressed beliefs. “If you have made it very clear that you do not abide by the laws of Western Australia, then there is no way you can hold a firearm license,” he asserted.
One affected member, Donna Hopkinson, who has held a firearms license for over 15 years, expressed her frustration, claiming that her peaceful lifestyle on a farm in Albany should not disqualify her from owning firearms. “I don’t have a criminal record. Everything we do is peaceful,” she emphasized, rejecting any notion that she poses a risk to the community.
The police operation involved extensive intelligence gathering, drawing on data analysis and the expertise of the State Security Investigation Group. Blanch revealed that there are over 1,000 sovereign citizens in WA, a fact that raises alarms for law enforcement. He indicated that investigations would continue, including fitness tests for those suspected of holding sovereign citizen views.
The crackdown has sparked outrage within the community. Alan Wallace, a “sheriff” within SPAWA, reported that around six of his members had their firearms confiscated. He voiced concerns that the actions of the police are misrepresenting their movement, which aims to restore what they believe is “true law.”
In a heartfelt response, Mandy Seneno, another SPAWA member, stated, “A meeting would be fabulous,” emphasizing their desire to collaborate with police rather than confront them. The group has attempted to reach out to relevant ministers and Commissioner Blanch for dialogue, but their requests have gone unanswered.
Blanch defended the police actions, highlighting the necessity of protecting both the community and police officers. “In the last three years, six officers have been murdered by firearms while attending properties,” he pointed out, underscoring the urgency of these measures.
Police Minister Reece Whitby supported the crackdown, stating, “Not every sovereign citizen is a risk, but some are, and that is a risk we cannot take.” He commended the professionalism of the police involved in the operation, which he described as “potentially very serious and dangerous.”
As the situation develops, the community is left to grapple with the implications of these actions. Blanch has indicated that many appeals are likely to be filed in the State Administrative Tribunal as affected individuals challenge the decisions made during the crackdown.
This urgent situation continues to unfold, with significant implications for gun ownership, public safety, and the rights of individuals who identify as sovereign citizens. The demand for a meeting with Commissioner Blanch highlights the tension between authorities and this controversial movement, raising questions about how best to balance community safety with individual rights in Western Australia.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
