Authorities are actively searching for a gunman accused of killing two police officers in Porepunkah, a town in rural Victoria. The suspect, Dezi Freeman, allegedly shot a detective and a senior constable while police were executing a search warrant on Tuesday. Freeman is known to law enforcement as a self-proclaimed sovereign citizen, a group that rejects the legitimacy of government and often refuses to comply with laws.

The sovereign citizen movement has been gaining traction in Australia, particularly in rural areas, according to experts. Associate Professor Josh Roose, who studies religious and violent extremism at Deakin University, noted that the movement has seen a significant rise since the COVID-19 pandemic. He explained that many individuals in regional Australia feel disenfranchised due to economic inequality and a lack of opportunities. "You've got this rapidly increasing inequality in the regions," Dr. Roose said. "People often can't even buy a house in the town they grew up in because they've been locked out by investors."

Dr. Roose pointed out that while not all sovereign citizens resort to violence, the recent shooting in Porepunkah aligns with the more extreme elements of the movement. He described Freeman as someone who has distanced himself from society, armed himself heavily, and harbors a deep-seated animosity toward police.

The rise of sovereign citizens in rural Australia is attributed to various factors, including geographic isolation. Sam Tierney, a solicitor from Tathra, NSW, stated that isolation can lead to a lack of genuine human connection, making individuals more susceptible to radical ideologies. He compared this phenomenon to individuals in remote areas of Afghanistan who are exposed to extremist views.

The issue of radicalization is not new. Dr. Roose referenced other violent incidents linked to regional communities, such as the Christchurch shooter, Brenton Tarrant, and the Wieambilla shooting, where the perpetrators were influenced by conspiracy theories and extremist ideologies.

The COVID-19 pandemic has further fueled the growth of extreme groups. Opposition to government measures, such as vaccine mandates, has led to increased tensions between citizens and authorities. The Billboard Battalion, a group formed during the pandemic, reflects this growing distrust. Founded by Wade Northausen, the group aims to educate the public about perceived government overreach and has gained a following online.

Local authorities face unique challenges in addressing the rise of sovereign citizens and other extremist groups. The Queensland Police have updated their procedures for dealing with conspiracy theorists following the Wieambilla shooting, recognizing the potential risks involved. In Porepunkah, local police have increased their presence as they search for Freeman, who is familiar with the bush and may evade capture for an extended period.

The impact of the sovereign citizen movement extends to the judicial system as well. A NSW magistrate reported that self-represented individuals, including sovereign citizens, are overwhelming the courts with pseudo-legal arguments, significantly prolonging legal proceedings.

Experts like Dr. Roose emphasize the need for greater investment in regional communities to combat the rise of extremism. He advocates for addressing inequalities and improving educational opportunities to help mitigate the appeal of radical ideologies. "We need to be aware that sovereign citizens and other extreme groups are active and that they constitute a significant threat to life," he said. "They have a deep hatred of police and authorities."