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Sheriffs, right-wing extremism, and the limits of U.S. federalism during a crisis
Farris E. M. Holman M. R.
Farris E. M.
Holman M. R.
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John Wiley and Sons Inc
Date
2023
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Abstract
Background: During the COVID-19 crisis, sheriffs across the country vocally refused to implement mask mandates. Objectives: In this note, we argue that resistance to mask mandates emerged out of successful efforts to recruit sheriffs into right-wing extremism (RWE) and its foundations in white supremacy, nativism, and anti-government extremism. Methods: We draw on upon historical analysis and a national survey of sheriffs. Results: We show how RWE movements recruited sheriffs and that a substantial share of sheriffs adopted RWE attitudes. We argue that this radicalization of county sheriffs primes them to resist a core component of federalism: mandates by supra governments. We identify a relationship between sheriffs. RWE attitudes and their resistance to enforcing COVID-19 mask mandates. Conclusion: Our work demonstrates the importance of considering the implications of violent extremism in the United States, particularly as it aligns with local law enforcement. ¿ 2023 The Authors. Social Science Quarterly published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Southwestern Social Science Association.
Contents
Subject
COVID
federalism
law enforcement
right-wing extremism
sheriffs
United States
federalism
law enforcement
right-wing extremism
sheriffs
United States
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Political Science