FBI Focuses on ‘Sovereign Citizen’ Extremists

WASHINGTON (AP) — The FBI says it has been paying closer attention to people around the country who ascribe to an extremist movement that rejects government activities.

The bureau says there has been an increase in cases in recent years involving so-called sovereign citizens. They are people who reject their status as U.S. citizens and don't recognize government authority, such as having to pay taxes and obeying laws.

The FBI says that in some cases, people who ascribe to the extremist movement have committed violent acts against government officials. Because of this the FBI created a national strategy to address the issue, which includes briefing state and local law enforcement on signs to look for that could potentially prevent violence.