The Posse Comitatus movement is a [right-wing](https://doctorparadox.net/tag/right-wing/), [[anti-government]] extremist movement that emerged in the United States during the late 1960s and 1970s. The movement's name is derived from the Latin term "posse comitatus," which translates to "power of the county" and refers to a common law principle allowing a sheriff to summon a group of citizens to assist in maintaining law and order. Although the movement has evolved over time, its core tenets have remained largely consistent, focusing on the defense of individual liberties, opposition to federal authority, and advocacy for local control. ## Origins and development The Posse Comitatus movement was born out of the backlash against perceived government overreach during the [[civil rights]] movement and the [[Vietnam War]]. Its adherents were primarily white, rural Americans who felt marginalized by the social and political changes taking place in the country. The movement's early leaders, such as William Potter Gale and Henry Lamont "Mike" Beach, were influenced by far-right ideologies, including [[white supremacy]], [[antisemitism]], and Christian Identity beliefs. The early Posse Comitatus movement emphasized the power of local government and the county sheriff as the highest legal authority, rejecting federal jurisdiction over local affairs. Members often formed armed paramilitary groups, referring to themselves as "unorganized [[militia]]s" and claiming the right to resist federal government intervention by force if necessary. They advocated for a return to a gold-backed currency, rejected the legitimacy of the income tax, and promoted [conspiracy theories](https://doctorparadox.net/why-do-people-believe-conspiracy-theories/) about a globalist "[[New World Order (NWO)]]." ## The 1980s and the Farm Crisis During the 1980s, the Posse Comitatus movement gained momentum as a result of the farm crisis, which saw many American farmers lose their land to foreclosure amid skyrocketing [[interest rates]] and falling crop prices. Many farmers, feeling betrayed by the government and the banking system, were drawn to the movement's anti-establishment message. The movement's influence was especially strong in Midwestern states like Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa, where it found a significant following among rural, disaffected populations. The farm crisis also brought new leaders to the movement, such as Gordon Kahl, an outspoken tax protester and Posse Comitatus member. Kahl's violent confrontation with law enforcement officers in 1983, which led to the deaths of two U.S. Marshals, intensified the government's focus on the movement and resulted in a crackdown on its activities. ## Decline and legacy By the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Posse Comitatus movement began to wane as a result of internal divisions, the imprisonment or death of key leaders, and increased scrutiny from law enforcement. However, its ideas and tactics have had a lasting impact on the American far-right. The movement's [[anti-government]] sentiment, [conspiracy theories](https://doctorparadox.net/why-do-people-believe-conspiracy-theories/), and commitment to local control have been adopted and adapted by various [extremist groups](https://doctorparadox.net/psychology/extremism/), including the [[Sovereign Citizen Movement]], the [[militia]] movement, and the modern-day "Patriot" movement. The [[Oklahoma City bombing]] in 1995, carried out by [[Timothy McVeigh]] and Terry Nichols, both of whom were influenced by the Posse Comitatus movement, underscored the dangers posed by such extremist ideologies. The bombing brought renewed attention to the threat of domestic terrorism and led to increased efforts by law enforcement agencies to monitor and combat radical right-wing extremism. In recent years, the Posse Comitatus movement's ideas have continued to surface in various forms, including the 2014 standoff between Nevada rancher [[Cliven Bundy]] and federal agents, and the 2016 occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon by armed anti-government protesters. These events demonstrate the movement's enduring influence on American extremist politics and the ongoing potential for violence in the name of defending individual liberties against perceived government overreach. ## Legal and practical consequences The Posse Comitatus movement has had significant legal and practical consequences, both for its followers and for American society as a whole. Its members' refusal to recognize federal authority often leads to confrontations with law enforcement, and their belief in the right to use force to resist perceived [[tyranny]] has resulted in numerous violent incidents. In addition, the movement's rejection of federal law has led its adherents to engage in various forms of "paper terrorism," such as filing fraudulent liens, making false claims, and using other forms of harassment against public officials and private citizens. These tactics not only pose a threat to the rule of law, but they also consume valuable law enforcement resources. ## Contemporary relevance Despite its decline as a cohesive movement, the principles of the Posse Comitatus continue to resonate within certain circles of the American far-right. Its emphasis on localism, individual liberty, and resistance to perceived government[[ tyranny]] remains a potent ideological force. This ideology has found new expression in the current digital age, as [[social media]] and online platforms provide a space for the propagation of these ideas. The Posse Comitatus movement continues to exert a lasting legacy on the American political landscape. Its anti-government ideology continues to influence contemporary extremist groups, demonstrating the enduring power of its core tenets. As such, understanding the history and evolution of the Posse Comitatus movement is crucial for addressing the challenges posed by domestic extremism in the 21st century.