Crackdown on Sovereign Citizen Gun Owners Amid Police Shootings in Australia

Western Australia police have seized firearms and suspended permits from gun owners identified with sovereign citizen ideologies following the shooting of two officers in Victoria. The suspect, Dezi Freeman, remains at large. Officials are using strengthened gun laws to prevent similar occurrences.

In Western Australia, authorities have taken decisive action in response to a tragic police shooting incident, seizing firearms and revoking or suspending permits from individuals suspected of subscribing to sovereign citizen ideologies. This move comes after two officers lost their lives in Victoria, a connection that spurred the crackdown.

The suspect, Dezi Freeman, linked to the deaths, remains elusive weeks after the incident. Freeman, who had previously adopted sovereign citizen ideologies, is believed to have evaded capture in the rugged terrains of rural Victoria.

The police operation, grounded in new, stringent gun laws, involved visiting 70 properties over several days, targeting owners voicing anti-government sentiments. The effort underscores Australia's commitment to preventing further violence against law enforcement.

(With inputs from agencies.)