Sheriffs, right‐wing extremism, and the limits of U.S. federalism during a crisis

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.

Local Gun Safety Enforcement, Sheriffs, and Right-Wing Political Extremism

“…Extremist views do not end with views on guns but extend broadly to other issues, including COVID policy and election denialism (Farris and Holman 2022). 9 As with gun reform efforts, some sheriffs refused to follow directives from state government during the pandemic.…”

“…Our research contributes to understanding gun culture in the United States (Carlson 2020; Filindra and Kaplan 2016; García-Montoya, Arjona and Lacombe 2022; Walker, Collingwood and Bunyasi 2020), the role of federalism in shaping the behavior of local leaders (Einstein and Glick 2017; Farris and Holman 2022; Farris, Holman and Sullivan 2021), and the importance of studying law enforcement politics and policymaking (Gunderson 2022; Harris, Walker and Eckhouse 2020). Examining the attitudes of county sheriffs offers an opportunity to better understand how extremism, local resistance, and conflict may translate to on-the-ground law enforcement decisions that impact the lives of community members.…”