Southern California, Oct 14, (V7N) — Vem Miller, a Nevada man arrested at a checkpoint while allegedly en route to a Donald Trump campaign rally, has been linked to the far-right Sovereign Citizen movement, according to local law enforcement.
 
Miller's detention stemmed from officers noticing a homemade license plate on his vehicle, a hallmark of Sovereign Citizens, as identified by Sheriff Chad Bianco. The Secret Service confirmed that Trump was not in danger during the incident. Miller was subsequently released on $5,000 bail.
 
What is the Sovereign Citizen Movement?
 
The Sovereign Citizen movement consists of thousands of anti-government extremists who believe they are not bound by local or national laws. Many adherents refuse to pay taxes and frequently challenge legal authority, though such efforts usually end in failure.
 
Mark Pitcavage, a senior research fellow at the Anti-Defamation League’s Center on Extremism, characterized the movement as decentralized and anti-authoritarian. “They don’t like anyone telling them what to do,” he explained.
 
While the U.S. Attorney’s Office indicated that there was no threat to Trump, it is important to note the movement’s history of violence. A notorious case from 2010 involved a father-son duo, self-identified as Sovereign Citizens, who shot and killed two police officers during a traffic stop in Arkansas.
 
Growth of the Movement
 
Membership in the Sovereign Citizen movement has surged during the Trump era, attracting a diverse range of supporters, including anti-vaxxers and QAnon followers. According to an ADL report, the movement has expanded significantly, especially within jails and prisons, and has gained an international following.
 
Originating in the late 1970s, the movement is fueled by various “gurus” who promote anti-government legal theories. Pitcavage noted its widespread influence, stating, “It’s quite a large movement, and you’ll find them anywhere in the country.”
 
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