The following letter was sent to the Washington State Governor, the Washington State Attorney General, members of the Washington State Legislature, all Washington State Sheriffs, and the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission.
Dear Washington State Elected Officials:
With urgency and deep concern, we bring to your attention details of a notorious group with ties to insurrectionists and white nationalists coming to Washington to infiltrate law enforcement and cozy up to elected officials (documentation links below). We are asking for your assistance in standing against this threat.
The so-called Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association (CSPOA) “Save Our Sheriffs” event in Puyallup on January 9th, featuring CSPOA founder Richard Mack and QAnon conspiracy figure Michael Flynn. Event organizers further claim three Washington state sheriffs are participating in the effort, as are some elected local officials.
Full details about the CSPOA “Save Our Sheriffs” event.
In addition to the concerns of our organization, the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Anti-Defamation League categorize CSPOA as an “anti-government extremist” group. This classification should raise serious concerns and prompt a cautious approach towards any involvement with the CSPOA.
Despite the “Constitutional” part of their moniker, CSPOA is a far-right pro-paramilitary group that promotes the long-discredited idea derived from the violently racist and antisemitic Posse Comitatus that sheriffs can usurp the judicial branch’s role in interpreting the Constitution and unilaterally override federal, state, and local laws. The sheriff’s job is challenging enough without being saddled with these unconstitutional burdens.
The potential risks and implications of local sheriffs participating in this event are massive. Sharing the stage at this event goes beyond social media rants. It gives the imprimatur of approval and undermines the public trust. It is an unprofessional activity, unbefitting the uniform, and it tarnishes the badge.
I think we can all agree that groups like CSPOA have no place in or near law enforcement. We urge you to speak out to make it clear that CSPOA has no place in our state. As this issue is time-sensitive, we would appreciate a rapid response. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
Devin Burghart
Executive Director
IREHR
| Documentation on CSPOA’s ties to insurrectionists and white nationalists. |
| · CSPOA Leader Divulges White Nationalist Ties. · “Constitutional Sheriffs” Group Teams Up with Antisemitic Conspiracist. · CSPOA, Dixie Fest, and the League of the South. · Shoulder to Shoulder: CSPOA and the Oath Keepers. · The Plan: A New Far-Right Blueprint for the Next Insurrection is Taking Shape in Florida. · CSPOA and Ammon Bundy’s People’s Rights Network. · “Constitutional Sheriffs” and the “Election Fraud” Conspiracy Posse. · IREHR’s Letter to the Minnesota Attorney General About CSPOA. · IREHR’s Letter to Illinois Sheriffs Regarding CSPOA Infiltration Efforts
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