The recent conference for the far-right sheriffs group, the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association (CSPOA), in Las Vegas drew a mix of felons, disgraced politicians, conspiracy theorists, and few actual sheriffs. The group believes sheriffs are the highest authority in the U.S. and wants them to investigate alleged voter fraud, despite lacking evidence. The event highlighted the fringe nature of the group’s ideas, and its loss of political influence compared to past years. The conference featured MAGA celebrities, sponsors offering various merchandise, and training sessions for police and sheriffs.
The CSPOA advocates for sheriffs to act as the ultimate arbiters of the Constitution, focusing on gun laws, immigration, and other tea party issues. However, founder Richard Mack’s unsuccessful bids for political office have impacted the group’s perceived credibility. Despite claims of a large membership, attendance at the conference was low, with speakers discussing various conspiracy theories, including Covid vaccines being bioweapons and the “great replacement” theory. Some active sheriffs spoke about enforcing only constitutional laws and maintaining armed posse groups.
The CSPOA has been linked to extremist organizations in the past, with Mack speaking at events for the far-right Oath Keepers. The group has distanced itself from its ties to extremism, but criticism persists. The conference suffered a setback when former Trump adviser Steve Bannon did not attend, and the keynote speaker, Michael Flynn, became confrontational with the media. The rise of constitutional sheriffs organizations during the pandemic, seen as a response to lockdown orders and mandates, has also fueled the CSPOA’s growth.
The CSPOA has collaborated with election denial groups and promoted conspiracy theories about voter fraud. Investigations led by sheriffs like Dar Leaf in Michigan have faced criticism and impeded criminal cases against supporters of former President Trump. Other controversial figures like Tina Peters, facing criminal charges related to election security breaches, and MyPillow founder Mike Lindell, a sponsor of the event, also spoke at the conference. Despite setbacks and criticism, the CSPOA continues to advocate for sheriffs to challenge federal power and investigate alleged electoral fraud.
The CSPOA conference revealed the group’s continued focus on conspiracy theories and its attempts to maintain influence in the face of criticism. Attendees included politicians seeking support from constitutional sheriffs, reflecting the group’s appeal to certain segments of the GOP. Despite its fringe status, the CSPOA has leveraged events like the conference to promote its ideas and attract new members. The group’s controversial history and ties to extremism have not deterred its supporters, who remain dedicated to the vision of sheriffs as the ultimate protectors of the Constitution.
